Nvidia has drastically reduced the number of Asian customers authorized to purchase its artificial intelligence chips, cutting the list by more than half.
The semiconductor giant implemented a new "white list" of approved companies that must pass significantly tougher compliance checks.
The move is designed to prevent the diversion of advanced products to restricted destinations, with a specific focus on curbing sales linked to China.
This tightening of distribution channels underscores the growing friction between US export controls and Nvidia's commercial interests in Asia.
By restricting the customer base, the company is prioritizing regulatory adherence over market breadth in the region.
The decision reflects a broader industry shift where compliance costs and geopolitical risks are reshaping supply chains for high-performance computing hardware.