OpenAI has supported export restrictions on AI chip shipments to China

OpenAI has officially notified US lawmakers of its support for initiatives to tighten export controls on shipments of high-performance AI chips and the equipment used to manufacture them to China. The company reached this decision after months of internal consultations, shifting its previous stance on the matter.

The change in course comes amid leadership changes at Nvidia, specifically following the departure of Jensen Huang as CEO. For many years, Huang was the primary opponent of export restrictions, arguing that they posed risks to the global technology ecosystem and the company's business. Analysts estimate that the absence of his active lobbying in Congress has significantly weakened the position of those opposing the sanctions.

Support from the developer of ChatGPT could be a decisive factor in the passage of new legislation aimed at limiting Chinese companies' access to advanced computing power. Previously, OpenAI had maintained a neutral or wait-and-see approach, but the company has now joined the ranks of those advocating for strict government regulation in the semiconductor supply sector.

For market participants, this means increased pressure on supply chains and potential additional barriers to equipment exports. A practical consequence will be the acceleration of the formation of closed technological circuits, where access to the latest GPUs will be strictly regulated at the level of US government policy.