South Korea emerges as a regional AI powerhouse
Nvidia will supply more than 260,000 of its most advanced AI chips to South Korea’s government and leading companies including Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. The chips will power factories producing semiconductors, robots, and autonomous vehicles. Chief executive Jensen Huang said the partnership allows South Korea to “export intelligence as a new product.” He did not disclose the total value of the agreements.
The announcement comes after a historic week for Nvidia. On Wednesday, it became the first company in history to reach a $5 trillion valuation. A day later, optimism grew that easing US-China tensions could allow renewed chip exports to China.
Speaking at a CEO summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Gyeongju, Huang said the chips will enable companies to create “digital twins” of factories worldwide. The deals mark Nvidia’s ongoing effort to expand AI infrastructure and embed artificial intelligence into global industries.
Global partnerships strengthen Nvidia’s leadership
Nvidia’s international collaborations have played a key role in its rapid growth. The company continues to secure its position as a global AI leader.
However, the South Korean deals come amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. China once generated more than ten percent of Nvidia’s revenue, but export restrictions have blocked its access to the company’s most advanced chips.
“We used to have 95% of the AI business in China. Now we’re at zero,” Huang said in Gyeongju. “I’m disappointed by that.”
China trade talks could open new markets
After meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, former US President Donald Trump said Beijing will begin talks with Nvidia about potential chip sales. He described the discussions as a matter between China and Nvidia, with the US acting as a “referee.”
Huang said he hopes to sell Nvidia’s Blackwell chips to China, though the final decision rests with the US President. Current export rules still restrict sales of Nvidia’s most advanced AI processors to Chinese buyers.
Huang offered no updates on the talks but expressed optimism. “It’s in America’s interest to keep the China market,” he said. “And it’s in China’s interest to welcome American technology. We want American innovation to define global standards.”
South Korea invests in sovereign AI capabilities
South Korea, already a leader in semiconductors and automotive manufacturing, aims to become a regional AI hub.
Huang described the country as ideal for AI growth due to its energy resources, available land, and industrial infrastructure. President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to prioritise AI investment, particularly amid US tariff pressures.
With Nvidia’s support, South Korea will develop national computing systems under the “sovereign AI” concept. More than 50,000 Nvidia chips will power data centres at the National AI Computing Center and at companies including Kakao and Naver.
Asia’s supply chains reinforce Nvidia
Nvidia relies heavily on Asia’s interconnected manufacturing network. The company designs chips but depends on partners such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC for production.
TSMC manufactures Nvidia’s most advanced processors, including the flagship Blackwell series. Samsung produces components for the H20 processor, a scaled-down version built to comply with US export rules for China.
US officials warn that exporting AI chips to China could strengthen Beijing’s military and technological capabilities. In response, China has accelerated domestic chip development. Huawei and Alibaba have introduced AI processors they claim rival Nvidia’s products.
Beijing has reportedly urged local firms to reduce Nvidia purchases and support domestic manufacturers.
“We deeply respect China’s technological capabilities,” Huang said on Friday.
Investors back Nvidia’s global strategy
Nvidia’s share price surged this week after announcing multiple partnerships. Deals with the US Department of Energy, Nokia, Uber, and Stellantis reassured investors about AI’s long-term profitability.
Speculation about renewed exports to China after Trump’s meeting with Xi further boosted the company’s market value. Nvidia’s global expansion demonstrates its determination to lead the AI revolution while managing complex geopolitical and technological challenges.
