Core Viewpoint - A rare conflict has emerged between chip giant Nvidia and its major clients, Amazon and Microsoft, as they support legislation aimed at restricting Nvidia's chip exports to China, highlighting the intense competition in the AI sector [1][2]. Group 1: Legislative Context - The GAIN AI Act is a legislative proposal under consideration by the U.S. Congress, which aims to prioritize the supply of advanced AI chips to the domestic market while limiting exports to countries like China [1][2]. - This is the first significant legislative move by Congress regarding chip exports, emphasizing the critical role of chips in training AI models [2]. - The act has garnered support from major tech companies, including Microsoft and Amazon, which have expressed their backing to Senate staff [2]. Group 2: Industry Reactions - Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang has increased lobbying efforts, spending nearly $3.5 million in the first three quarters of the year, compared to $640,000 for the entire year of 2024 [5]. - Huang has publicly stated his desire to continue selling chips to Chinese customers, indicating a strong commitment to the Chinese market despite the legislative challenges [5]. - The GAIN AI Act includes a provision allowing tech companies to ship chips to certain regions without government export licenses, a clause supported by Microsoft and Amazon [5]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Nvidia controls approximately 80% of the AI processor market, making the public disagreement with its clients particularly unusual [5]. - Experts suggest that the current tensions between Nvidia and its clients are more complex than typical product and pricing disputes, reflecting deeper strategic interests in the AI race [6]. - Some industry executives argue that the real bottleneck for AI development is not chip availability but rather power supply, challenging the premise of the proposed export restrictions [6]. Group 4: Political Implications - The GAIN AI Act is being considered as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be submitted for presidential approval by the end of the year [2]. - Key Democratic lawmakers support the act, but it still requires approval from Republican leaders to advance [2]. - The act's proponents argue it is a proactive measure to prevent potential chip shortages and benefit U.S. tech companies [6].
“罕见对立！亚马逊、微软想搅黄英伟达售华芯片计划”