US reportedly investigating whether China's DeepSeek used restricted AI chips

Published On Jan 31, 2025, 12:55 PM

The U.S. Commerce Department is currently investigating whether Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has illegally accessed advanced Nvidia AI chips that are restricted from being sold to China. This scrutiny arises after DeepSeek released new AI models that allegedly rival those of leading U.S. tech firms. Reports indicate that DeepSeek might have obtained these restricted chips via third parties in Singapore, with suggestions of potential smuggling activities also being explored. Nvidia has stated that it insists partners comply with applicable laws relating to chip sales.

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DeepSeek's advancements have raised concerns among U.S. tech firms regarding competition in the AI space. As investigations into illegal chip access unfold, there might be short-term volatility among companies like Nvidia and others in the semiconductor sector.

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In a week when AI chipmaker Nvidia suffered the biggest one-day loss of value on record and the Federal Reserve said it was in no hurry to cut rates again, a few gauges underscore markets' vulnerability to big swings. Investors and analysts said the sell-off in tech stocks this week, driven by the popularity of China's DeepSeek AI model, highlights the market ructions that can occur when heavy speculation meets unexpected bad news. Despite Monday's ructions investors remain bullish about U.S. tech and President Donald Trump's plans for tax cuts and deregulation, heightening risks of market gyrations if this widespread consensus proves wrong.

Nvidia shares hit their lows of the day on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported Trump administration officials are "exploring additional curbs" on the company's chip sales to China.

Caution prevails as the Fed keeps interest rates unchanged and Nvidia sinks again, weighing on tech stocks.

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