Trump Admin Cleared AI Chip Sales To Chinese Companies With Empty Offices: REPORT

The Commerce Department approved sales of Nvidia AI chips to dozens of Chinese companies, including some whose listed offices were empty or whose links raised national security concerns, according to a New York Times report. The approvals have prompted questions about whether the US is adequately checking buyers and enforcing export controls.

One approved buyer, New Matrix, reportedly had little online presence and did not occupy its registered address; Chinese corporate records linked it to Wise Road, a blacklisted investment firm. Other approved firms were reportedly connected to blacklisted companies or Chinese military contractors. The Commerce Department says its security bureau reviews applications and has imposed more than $300 million in penalties for export violations in 2025. The Trump administration loosened some limits on chip sales to China, including allowing Nvidia to sell its H200 chip subject to conditions and a 25% tariff on its value.