U.S. 'Feverishly' Working on Nvidia Licenses for China, Shipping Date Unclear

• Nvidia CFO Colette Kress disclosed at CES that the U.S. is 'working feverishly' on export licenses but approval timing remains uncertain
• Strong demand for H200 chips from China has emerged after Trump reversed the previous administration's export restrictions
• The licensing uncertainty affects Nvidia's ability to capitalize on the Chinese market for its advanced AI chip technology

Summary

Key Development:

The U.S. government is actively processing license applications for Nvidia to export H200 chips to China, but approval timing remains uncertain, according to Nvidia CFO Colette Kress at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 6, 2026.

Critical Details:

• Nvidia is experiencing strong demand for H200 chips from China following a policy reversal
• Former President Donald Trump lifted a longstanding ban on shipping these advanced chips to China in 2025
• The U.S. government is described as "working feverishly" on the license applications
• Despite urgency, Nvidia has no clarity on when approvals will be granted

Company Focus:

Nvidia remains the central player, with its high-performance H200 chips representing cutting-edge AI and data center technology. CFO Colette Kress made the statements during an interview with a JP Morgan analyst.

Market Implications:

The uncertain licensing timeline creates potential revenue volatility for Nvidia, as China represents a significant market for advanced semiconductors. Strong demand signals robust business opportunity, but regulatory delays could impact near-term financial performance. The policy shift marks a significant change in U.S.-China technology relations, potentially opening substantial revenue streams for American chipmakers while raising questions about technology transfer and national security considerations.

Sector Impact:

The development affects the broader semiconductor industry, particularly companies focused on AI and high-performance computing chips. The outcome could set precedents for other U.S. technology exports to China and influence competitive dynamics in the global chip market.