US Sets 25% Tariff on Some Chip Sales as Part of Nvidia Deal

The U.S. Commerce Department has eased restrictions, allowing Nvidia to sell its H200 AI chips to approved customers in China, following a significant policy shift initiated by the Trump administration that lifted a previous export ban due to national security concerns. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Nvidia as it re-enters a crucial market after extensive lobbying efforts.

China has submitted two requests to the International Telecommunication Union to reserve orbital slots for a new satellite constellation aimed at enhancing its space-based communications capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand China's presence in low Earth orbit (LEO).

China has issued a directive prohibiting the use of cybersecurity products from leading American and Israeli firms, including Palo Alto Networks Inc., Fortinet Inc., and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between China and these countries, particularly in the technology sector.

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau is currently wanted in Taiwan for allegedly hiring local engineers without the necessary government approval, a violation of the Cross-Strait Act. This legal action follows the indictment of two Taiwanese nationals who were reportedly involved in the recruitment process on behalf of the company.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified his campaign against the perceived dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, opposing President Donald Trump's efforts to establish a unified regulatory framework that limits state-level interventions in technology. DeSantis's stance highlights concerns over the potential risks associated with AI, emphasizing the need for state-level regulations to address these issues effectively.

The U.S. has approved the export of Nvidia's H200 AI chips to China, yet reports indicate that China may block these imports at customs, creating a significant barrier to entry for the technology. This development follows extensive negotiations and a stipulation of a 25% fee on sales.

President Donald Trump announced that Microsoft will increase its payments for electricity used by its datacenters, as part of a broader initiative to ensure that large tech companies contribute fairly to the energy costs associated with their operations. This decision comes amid growing scrutiny of the impact of energy-intensive datacenters on electricity prices in the U.S.

President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Microsoft and other major tech companies, urging them not to pass the rising costs of electricity for AI data centers onto American consumers. This comes amid growing concerns over increasing electricity bills linked to the expansion of AI technologies.