NVIDIA Developing B30A AI Chip for China, Surpassing the H20 #
NVIDIA is reportedly preparing to launch a new AI chip for China, named the B30A, which is set to outperform the H20. Built on the company’s latest Blackwell architecture, this chip is designed to balance high performance with U.S. export restrictions.
NVIDIA’s Next-Generation B30A Chip #
According to multiple industry sources, NVIDIA’s upcoming B30A AI chip will feature a single-die design, meaning its key circuits are built on a single silicon wafer. This structure helps improve efficiency compared to multi-die chips.
Performance-wise, the B30A is expected to deliver around 50% of the power of the flagship B300 chip, making it significantly stronger than the currently available H20 model in China.
Key Highlights of the B30A: #
- HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory) for faster data access
- NVLink support for high-speed processor-to-processor communication
- Optimized architecture to comply with U.S. export rules
NVIDIA is reportedly planning to provide test samples to Chinese customers as early as next month, though final specifications are still under review.
U.S. Licensing Deal and H20 Controversy #
Earlier this year, reports revealed that the U.S. government struck a deal with NVIDIA and AMD, requiring a 15% revenue share from China chip sales in exchange for export licenses.
At the same time, Chinese state media raised concerns over NVIDIA chips, warning local companies about potential security risks tied to the H20.
In response, NVIDIA is also preparing another chip for China — the RTX 6000D, designed mainly for AI inference. With weaker specs than the H20, the RTX 6000D will use traditional GDDR memory (1398 GB/s bandwidth) and will be priced more competitively. Limited shipments are expected in September.
Why H20 Sales Resumed in China #
The H20 chip, banned for months, is now back on sale in China. Former U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed that NVIDIA agreed to pay a 15% licensing fee on revenue from China to regain sales approval.
Trump called the H20 an “older, obsolete chip,” which partly explains why the U.S. permitted its return. Analysts predict NVIDIA could raise H20 prices by about 18% to offset the fee while keeping profit margins intact.
However, skepticism remains. Experts warn that due to security concerns, Chinese companies — especially those tied to government or national defense — may avoid the H20 despite its reentry into the market.
The Rapid Rise of Chinese Domestic Chips #
While NVIDIA faces export restrictions, China’s domestic semiconductor industry is accelerating. Growth is particularly strong in PCs, servers, AI data centers, and automotive chips.
According to Nikkei, local car manufacturers are shifting to Chinese-made automotive chips to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers. Notable examples include:
- Xpeng using its in-house Turing chip
- NIO adopting its Shenji chip
- Partnerships with domestic suppliers such as Horizon Robotics, Huawei HiSilicon, and Black Sesame
Meanwhile, leading foundry SMIC has expanded its automotive chip market share to 10% in 2025, up from less than 3% in 2020.
Research from Bank of America shows that domestic chips held 9% of the global automotive chip market in 2024, but are expected to grow to 15–20% in 2025. Projections suggest that within five years, China-made chips could account for 50% of the global automotive chip market.
This surge puts pressure on foreign suppliers like NVIDIA, as Chinese automakers increasingly favor homegrown semiconductor solutions.
Key Takeaway #
NVIDIA’s B30A AI chip represents a major push to maintain relevance in the Chinese market amid tightening U.S. export controls and rising domestic chip competition. While the H20 faces market resistance, the B30A and RTX 6000D could offer NVIDIA a strategic foothold — but the long-term threat from China’s fast-growing semiconductor industry remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) #
❓ What is NVIDIA’s B30A chip? #
The B30A is a new AI chip designed by NVIDIA for the Chinese market. Built on the Blackwell architecture, it is stronger than the H20 but limited to meet U.S. export rules.
❓ Why was the NVIDIA H20 banned in China? #
The H20 was restricted due to U.S. export control policies, and later criticized in China over security concerns. It has since resumed sales under a licensing fee deal.
❓ How does the B30A compare to the H20? #
The B30A is significantly more powerful, expected to offer half the performance of NVIDIA’s flagship B300 — while the H20 is considered an older, less efficient model.
❓ Are Chinese domestic chips competing with NVIDIA? #
Yes. Chinese automakers and tech companies are increasingly turning to domestic chips from suppliers like Huawei HiSilicon, Horizon Robotics, and SMIC, reducing reliance on foreign chips.