Jensen Huang sharply criticized the strict U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to China. He openly called the policy a “failure” and warned that it could lead to unintended consequences.
According to Huang, these bans do not stop China but instead force it to develop its own domestic chip technologies. This creates a twofold problem: on one hand, Nvidia loses market share in one of the world’s largest markets, and on the other, U.S. global leadership in AI weakens as a new and powerful competitor emerges. Nevertheless, Huang does not see the future as completely closed and stated that future chips could still be sold to China with U.S. government approval.
Amid these restrictions in the Chinese market, Nvidia is actively turning to new markets and adjusting its strategy. One of the company’s main targets in this regard has been the South Korean market. Nvidia has signed a deal in this country.
The company will sell more than 260,000 of its most advanced “Blackwell” AI chips to the South Korean government and major technology companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor. This move benefits both sides: South Korea receives a strong technological boost toward becoming a regional AI hub, while Nvidia strengthens its position in a large and reliable market less affected by U.S.-China trade tensions.
Thus, Nvidia is strategically focusing on new markets to continue growing, reduce risks (diversify), and leverage strong semiconductor ecosystems like South Korea’s.
