Chinese AI data center projects worth $3.2 billion still specify restricted NVIDIA chips

iconChaincatcher
Share
AI summary iconSummary
Chinese AI data center projects valued at $3.2 billion still specify U.S.-restricted NVIDIA chips, including H100, H200, and H800 models, according to a Reuters investigation. The figure includes infrastructure costs, and there is no evidence the chips have been fully acquired. A Fujian project lists H100 servers and seeks financing. A Shaanxi state-owned group secured a $3 billion project involving H100 and H200 chips. AI + crypto news highlights ongoing reliance on NVIDIA despite export restrictions. A Wuxi H800 cluster is set to launch in March 2025. Inflation data remains a secondary concern for developers, with NVIDIA holding 34% of China’s AI accelerator shipments in early 2026.

ChainCatcher report: According to a Reuters investigation, Chinese developers continue to plan AI data centers around NVIDIA processors subject to U.S. export controls, with the total value of involved projects exceeding RMB 23 billion (approximately USD 3.2 billion). The agency reviewed over 150 procurement announcements, investment plans, and corporate records, many of which explicitly list H100, H200, or H800 chips. The USD 3.2 billion represents the total investment for these projects, encompassing infrastructure such as construction and power supply; the documents do not confirm that all related chips have been acquired, nor do they indicate any violations. A proposed computing center in Fujian is valued at RMB 6.2 billion (approximately USD 873 million), with official investment lists specifying H100 servers, though financing is still being sought. A state-owned engineering group in Shaanxi won a contract related to a RMB 3 billion project, with documents listing H100 and H200 chips. A RMB 2.26 billion project in Jilin plans to combine NVIDIA hardware with domestic processors. A proposed project in Inner Mongolia specifies 625 H200 servers, while Wuxi reported that an H800 cluster has been operational since March 2025. Since 2022, the U.S. has restricted the export of advanced AI chips to China; in January 2026, the Commerce Department changed H200 export applications to case-by-case review, requiring licenses for sales, while restrictions on H100 remain stricter. Reuters cited IDC data indicating that in the first half of 2026, NVIDIA accounted for 34% of AI accelerator shipments in China, with Huawei at 28%. Chinese developer Z.AI has released an image-generation model trained entirely on Huawei chips. These records demonstrate NVIDIA’s continued deep integration into China’s AI infrastructure planning, placing pressure on U.S. officials facing congressional scrutiny.

Disclaimer: The information on this page may have been obtained from third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of KuCoin. This content is provided for general informational purposes only, without any representation or warranty of any kind, nor shall it be construed as financial or investment advice. KuCoin shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Investments in digital assets can be risky. Please carefully evaluate the risks of a product and your risk tolerance based on your own financial circumstances. For more information, please refer to our Terms of Use and Risk Disclosure.