Nvidia Denies Full Upfront Payment Demands for Chinese Clients Amid H200 Chip Uncertainty
Nvidia has refuted claims that it requires Chinese companies to pay full upfront fees for its H200 chips without delivery guarantees. A company spokesperson emphasized that Nvidia "would never require customers to pay for products they do not receive." Historically, Chinese buyers could opt for deposits rather than full prepayment, but this policy tightened for the H200 due to regulatory uncertainties.
Chinese authorities are expected to approve limited imports of the H200 this quarter, restricting its use to commercial applications while barring military, government, and state-linked entities. The approval process mirrors existing restrictions on foreign tech products like Apple devices and Micron chips. No formal announcements have been made, but sources confirm internal discussions are underway.