Daijiworld Media Network - Shanghai
Shanghai, Jan 24: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s annual visit to Shanghai for employee celebrations is expected to include a stop in Beijing, amid fresh uncertainty over the company’s H200 chips facing unexpected import restrictions in China, according to a Reuters report.
Reuters, citing sources, said Huang is in Shanghai on a routine trip to attend Nvidia’s annual employee events scheduled for January 24. However, another source indicated that the visit is likely to extend to Beijing, Shenzhen and Taiwan. Nvidia has not officially responded to queries regarding Huang’s travel plans. His presence in Shanghai was first reported by Chinese publication Tencent News on January 23.
The developments come at a sensitive time for US-China relations in the semiconductor sector. Nvidia’s advanced H200 chips reportedly faced hurdles last week when Chinese customs authorities blocked their entry into the country. According to a Financial Times report, logistics firms in Shenzhen were informed that the chips were not permitted to enter China, without any clarity on whether the move is temporary or permanent.
The restrictions reportedly took Nvidia by surprise, especially as initial shipments had already arrived in Hong Kong. Sources told FT that Chinese authorities have also cautioned domestic technology firms against purchasing Nvidia chips and advised them to prioritise local alternatives. This has prompted companies such as Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance to consider limiting H200 purchases to projects that require high performance and easier maintenance.
In 2025, Jensen Huang had travelled to China at least three times amid export curbs imposed by US President Donald Trump on advanced chips. In July last year, he also met China’s commerce minister. Following months of lobbying by Huang with both the Trump administration and Chinese officials, the US allowed Nvidia to export H200 chips to China in December.
With fresh restrictions now emerging, Huang’s reported Beijing visit is being closely watched, amid speculation over whether the latest curbs could be eased through dialogue or signal a tougher stance by Chinese authorities on foreign semiconductor imports.