The US is considering relaxing export controls on high-bandwidth memory chips critical to artificial intelligence as part of a potential trade deal with China. Chinese officials have urged the Trump administration to ease restrictions on these “HBM” chips, which are essential for performing complex AI tasks.
The move comes as Beijing seeks to develop its own AI and defense capabilities. However, US administrations have imposed export controls on advanced chips to curb China’s progress in this area. While this has hurt US chipmakers’ ability to tap into the booming Chinese market, it remains a significant revenue driver for American companies.
China is particularly concerned about the US restrictions on HBM chips, which are used alongside AI graphic processors like Nvidia’s. The country wants to develop its own AI chips and sees these exports as crucial to achieving this goal. A potential trade deal could ease these restrictions, allowing Chinese companies like Huawei to access the necessary technology.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/china-wants-us-to-relax-ai-chip-export-controls-for-trade-deal-ft-reports.html