Nvidia’s absence from Trump’s delegation signals prolonged challenges in recovering sales amid U.S. export curbs on advanced AI chips.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will not join President Donald Trump’s delegation to China this week, highlighting ongoing struggles to regain market access for its advanced AI chips. The company’s data center revenue from China once accounted for at least 20% of its total, but U.S. restrictions have stalled sales recovery for over four years.
More than a dozen U.S. executives, including Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon, Tesla’s Elon Musk, and Apple’s Tim Cook, will accompany Trump. Nvidia’s absence contrasts with its prior efforts to maintain ties, including Huang’s high-profile visit last summer. Experts suggest little near-term benefit from joining the trip, given unresolved export approvals.
Nvidia confirmed in February that U.S.-government-approved chip versions remain blocked in China. Analysts expect no immediate relief, with one CIO stating the delegation would offer “very little” in deliverables for the chipmaker.