Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is preparing to resume exports of its MI308 artificial intelligence chips to China. This move follows the U.S. Commerce Department’s decision to restart the review of license applications needed for such exports. After receiving approval, AMD plans to begin shipments immediately. The company’s stock rose more than 6% following the announcement.
An AMD spokesperson said the company welcomed the efforts by the Trump administration to improve trade ties and support U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. This progress comes after months of tension between the U.S. and China, fueled by trade restrictions and tariffs.
Earlier this year, the U.S. placed strict controls on AI chip exports to China. Officials cited national security concerns as the main reason. These rules also led to the cancellation of the previous “AI diffusion rule” from the Biden era, which had created layers of export restrictions based on chip performance and destination.
The Trump administration now plans to introduce simpler and clearer rules for exporting advanced chips. While details of the new policy are not yet public, companies in the chip industry hope it will reduce business disruption and financial losses.
AMD is not alone in its concerns about these restrictions. Rival chipmaker Nvidia also announced on Tuesday that it would soon resume chip exports to China. Last week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Donald Trump to discuss the impact of current rules. AMD CEO Lisa Su is expected to attend a similar event in Washington next week, focused on artificial intelligence and trade policy.
Chipmakers have warned that trade limits could seriously affect revenue. In April, AMD said it could face up to $800 million in charges due to halted exports. Nvidia, on the other hand, predicted a $5.5 billion hit from U.S. restrictions on its H20 processors. During a May earnings call, Nvidia revealed that it missed out on $2.5 billion in revenue because of halted shipments linked to these chips.
Both the MI308 from AMD and the H20 from Nvidia were created specifically to meet U.S. export rules while still serving the Chinese market. These chips are tailored versions that reduce certain performance capabilities to comply with restrictions.
Industry leaders have been urging the government to find a better balance between national security and business needs. The current lack of a consistent export policy has left companies in limbo, unable to plan ahead or fulfill overseas orders.
The decision to restart the license review process marks a shift in tone. It could lead to improved relations between U.S. chipmakers and Chinese buyers. It also signals a more flexible trade approach, even as political tensions remain high.
As both AMD and Nvidia prepare to resume shipments, the tech world is watching closely. The outcome will likely influence future policies on high-tech exports and international trade in advanced computing.
For now, AMD’s MI308 AI chip is back in focus as the company gets ready to deliver to one of its largest markets once again.
