Following recent U.S. export license approvals, Nvidia is moving forward with plans to supply its latest H200 AI accelerator to the Chinese market. New reports provide concrete details on pricing, delivery timelines, and the significant performance leap this chip represents over its predecessor, alongside hints of a high-profile visit from the company's CEO.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's recent decision to grant export licenses for Nvidia's H200 chip to approved Chinese customers has cleared a significant regulatory hurdle. This move allows Nvidia to officially engage with one of its largest markets for advanced computing hardware, albeit under specific restrictions. The development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing recalibration of the global semiconductor trade landscape, directly impacting major AI research and development efforts within China.
Pricing and Market Positioning for the Chinese Market
According to a report from Tencent Technology citing informed sources, Nvidia has set the price for an 8-card H200 module destined for Chinese channels at CNY 1.4 million. This positions the H200 as a premium offering, priced higher than the previously available H20 "special edition" chip designed for the Chinese market. The pricing strategy reflects the H200's advanced capabilities and the complex supply chain considerations involved in compliant sales to the region. An Nvidia spokesperson, in a statement to the Global Times on December 23, emphasized that "supply to authorized customers in China in compliance with the H200 chip will not affect our ability to supply global customers," indicating confidence in managing a bifurcated supply chain.
Reported H200 Pricing & Performance for China
- Module Price: CNY 1.4 million for an 8-card H200 module.
- Performance (TPP): 15,832 Total Performance Power.
- Performance Comparison: Approximately 6.7x the performance density of the Nvidia H20 chip.
Performance Specifications and Delivery Timeline
The key driver behind the H200's value proposition is its substantial performance increase. Based on the Total Performance Power (TPP) metric, a measure of compute density, the H200 achieves a score of 15,832. This figure represents approximately 6.7 times the performance density of the H20 chip, signaling a major generational leap for customers who have been operating with restricted technology. Regarding availability, Reuters reported that Nvidia has informed Chinese clients of plans to begin deliveries in mid-February 2026, strategically timed just before the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday. The company is expected to fulfill initial orders from existing inventory, with shipment volumes estimated between 5,000 to 10,000 modules, equating to roughly 40,000 to 80,000 individual H200 chips.
Reported Delivery Schedule & Volume
- Planned Delivery Start: Mid-February 2026 (before Chinese Lunar New Year).
- Initial Shipment Volume: 5,000 to 10,000 modules (equivalent to 40,000 to 80,000 H200 chips).
- Source: Initial orders to be fulfilled from existing inventory.
CEO's Planned Visit and Corporate Engagement
Adding a personal touch to the commercial rollout, sources indicate that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is planning another visit to China in January 2026. This would mark his fourth trip to the Chinese mainland within a year, underscoring the strategic importance of the region. Huang has cultivated a notable presence in China, particularly during the festive season; in recent years, he has attended company Lunar New Year gatherings in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, famously participating in celebrations and handing out traditional red envelopes to employees. His memorable appearance dancing in a northeastern Chinese-style floral vest during the 2024 festivities became a widely shared moment, highlighting his efforts to connect with the local team and culture.
Context and Strategic Implications
The planned delivery of the H200, while a positive development for Nvidia and its Chinese clients, occurs within a tightly controlled framework. The chips will only go to "authorized customers," and the entire process remains subject to ongoing U.S. export regulations. This episode illustrates the delicate balance Nvidia must strike between capitalizing on a critical market and adhering to international trade controls. For Chinese AI firms and research institutions, access to the H200 provides a much-needed infusion of cutting-edge compute power, potentially accelerating projects that had been constrained by the performance limits of earlier sanctioned products like the H20.