U.S. Trade Representative Stresses NVIDIA Must Enforce KYC Clauses on H200 Chips Export to China (NVIDIA: -0.8%)

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) stated at a congressional hearing that NVIDIA must enforce export of its H200 AI chips to China under the agreed terms, including know-your-customer (“KYC”) requirements. Lighthizer said, “The licensing terms are very detailed and were jointly developed with the State Department; NVIDIA must comply with these provisions.” When asked if he trusted China would follow the proposed H200 restrictions, Lighthizer referred the question to President Trump. Reuters reported last week that NVIDIA has not yet agreed to include proposed terms in China for use of the H200, including the KYC provisions aimed at ensuring the Chinese military cannot access such chips. The stock closed 0.8% lower at $188.54 per share. Following the U.S.-China trade and tariff freeze agreement signed late in October 2025, the U.S. also approved the export of NVIDIA’s H200 to China, with the administration promising to delay restrictions on thousands of Chinese companies for one year. On Tuesday, Lighthizer again referred the issue to Trump, noting the “complex relationship” is under the leadership of the president and the Secretary of State. “They provide us with assistance and direction, and we follow their lead,” he said. Lighthizer added, “We are all very aware of how critical minerals, rare earths, and magnets have been weaponized; how these issues are resolved is in the hands of the president.”