With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, AI chips have become the key to global technological competition. Recently, the U.S. government has strengthened its control over AI chip exports, especially for Nvidia and AMD, the two leading chip makers, and there have been notable changes in export policies to the Middle East.
U.S. officials have slowed down the issuance of licenses to Nvidia and AMD for large-scale exports of AI gas pedals to the Middle East. The measure comes alongside a comprehensive national security assessment of AI development in the Middle East. The exact length of time required for the review has not yet been specified, and the definition of “large-scale shipments” has yet to be refined.
The move is closely related to the escalation of US regulatory measures against Chinese AI technology. The U.S. government is concerned that advanced AI technology may be indirectly transferred to China through the Middle East, which may pose a threat to U.S. national security. Previously, the U.S. has imposed chip export restrictions on the Middle East, requiring companies to obtain special permits from the U.S. government when shipping cutting-edge semiconductors and chip-making tools to countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has emphasized that its highest priority is to “protect national security” and to conduct extensive due diligence and thorough vetting of cutting-edge technologies. The policy is seen as part of a comprehensive US strategy to negotiate how advanced chips are deployed overseas, including who manages and protects the facilities used to train AI models.
Photo: US restricts Nvidia, AMD chip exports
Middle Eastern countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have been actively promoting AI technology and have purchased large quantities of Nvidia products. These countries want to import a large number of chips for AI data centers to strengthen their own AI infrastructure and reduce their economic dependence on oil. The new U.S. policy undoubtedly poses a challenge to these countries and also affects the business interests of Nvidia and AMD.
The new U.S. policy also reflects its strategic realignment in the global tech competition. Globally, the U.S. is seeking to balance the relationship between commercial interests and national security while ensuring that its technological advantages are not exploited by potential rivals. For Nvidia and AMD, it will be a major challenge to maintain and expand their influence in the Middle East and even the global market while complying with U.S. policy.
In summary, the escalation of U.S. controls on AI chip exports has not only affected Nvidia and AMD's business operations, but also had a profound impact on AI development in the Middle East and the global tech competition landscape. How this policy develops in the future and how it will shape the future of global AI technology deserves close attention from all sides.
