Nvidia(US:NVDA) Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-09-15 09:44Core Viewpoint - Nvidia is under further investigation by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) for potential violations of antitrust laws and commitments made during its acquisition of Mellanox Technologies, indicating a shift in China's regulatory approach from "entry management" to "ongoing supervision" of foreign companies in key technology sectors [1][2][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Context - The investigation is linked to Nvidia's 2020 acquisition of Mellanox for $6.9 billion (approximately 501.13 billion RMB), which was approved under specific conditions related to data security, fair competition, and technology openness [3]. - Nvidia has previously faced scrutiny from Chinese regulators, including a formal investigation initiated in December 2020 for similar antitrust concerns [1][3]. - The current investigation suggests that Nvidia may not have fully complied with its commitments made during the acquisition process, raising questions about its market behavior and integration practices [2][4]. Group 2: Market Implications - Nvidia's dominant position in China's AI, cloud computing, and autonomous driving sectors makes it a focal point for antitrust scrutiny, as regulators are concerned about potential exclusionary practices and unreasonable technical barriers that could hinder fair competition [2][4]. - The ongoing investigation could lead to severe consequences under antitrust laws, including fines of up to 10% of Nvidia's previous year's sales if violations are confirmed [4]. - This situation reflects a broader trend in China's regulatory landscape, where foreign companies are now subject to more rigorous and continuous oversight, moving away from a one-time approval process to a model of lifecycle regulation [4][5]. Group 3: Global Context - The investigation of Nvidia aligns with a global trend where major economies are intensifying antitrust enforcement against tech giants, as seen with companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple facing similar scrutiny [5]. - China's regulatory actions against Nvidia are not only aimed at maintaining domestic market order but also at asserting its regulatory authority in the global tech governance landscape, particularly in critical technology sectors like AI [5]. - The case serves as a reminder for multinational companies that compliance with local laws and regulations is essential for sustainable operations in complex regulatory environments [5].