WSJ Tech News Briefing: Detailed Summary of "TNB Tech Minute: Nvidia Can Resume Sales of AI Chip to China"

Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Ariana Aspuru, The Wall Street Journal

The latest episode of the Wall Street Journal's "Tech News Briefing," hosted by Ariana Aspuru, delves into significant developments in the tech industry, highlighting pivotal moves by major players such as Nvidia, Ericsson, Oracle, and regulatory changes in China affecting global supply chains.

Nvidia Resumes AI Chip Sales to China

In a significant policy shift, Nvidia has received approval from the Trump administration to resume sales of its H2O artificial intelligence (AI) chip to China. This decision comes shortly after Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, engaged in discussions with President Trump. Ariana Aspuru reports, “Nvidia has gotten the okay from the Trump administration to sell its H2O artificial intelligence chip in China, days after Chief Executive Jensen Huang met with President Trump” (00:02).

To address the U.S. officials' concerns regarding exports to China, Nvidia has downgraded certain features of the H2O chip. This modification ensures compliance with national security measures while allowing the continuation of business operations in the lucrative Chinese market. Previously, the Commerce Department had imposed restrictions on the chip's sales in April, a move that resulted in substantial financial losses for Nvidia, amounting to billions of dollars. The recent approval marks a strategic adjustment in U.S. export policy towards advanced technologies, balancing economic interests with security considerations.

Ericsson Posts Strong Earnings Amid Mixed Performance

Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson reported better-than-expected earnings, driven by higher-margin sales, increased licensing revenues, and effective cost-saving measures. However, the company's key networks business experienced a sales decline of 5.3%. Aspuru highlights, “Swedish telecommunications equipment company Ericsson posted better than expected earnings due to higher margin sales, increased licensing revenue and cost savings, but its key networks business still saw sales decline by 5.3%” (00:02).

Looking forward, Ericsson anticipates heightened uncertainty stemming from potential tariff changes and the broader macroeconomic environment. These factors could influence the company's strategic planning and operational efficiency. The mixed performance underscores the challenges faced by telecom equipment providers in navigating fluctuating market demands and geopolitical tensions that affect international trade and investment.

Oracle's Strategic Investment in European AI and Cloud Infrastructure

Oracle has announced a substantial investment of $3 billion to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure across Germany and the Netherlands over the next five years. As Aspuru notes, “Oracle said it would invest $3 billion to expand its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Germany and the Netherlands over the next five years” (00:02).

This initiative positions Oracle among a growing cohort of U.S. tech companies aiming to bolster their presence and service capabilities in Europe. By enhancing its infrastructure in these key European markets, Oracle seeks to meet the increasing demand for advanced cloud solutions and AI-driven services. This investment not only reflects Oracle's commitment to innovation and expansion but also signifies the broader trend of tech firms recognizing the strategic importance of the European market in their global growth strategies.

China Imposes New Export Restrictions on EV Battery Technology

China's Commerce Ministry has announced new restrictions on the export of technology used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, mandating approvals from Chinese authorities for such exports. Aspuru explains, “China's Commerce Ministry said the government is restricting exports of technology used in EV batteries and that it will now require approvals from Chinese authorities” (00:02).

These restrictions follow China's earlier measures to tighten controls over rare earth exports, creating significant disruptions in global supply chains. The move has intensified concerns among Western nations about their reliance on China for critical materials essential for technological advancement and manufacturing. By controlling the export of EV battery technology, China aims to secure its dominant position in the global EV market while leveraging its technological assets as strategic economic tools. This development poses challenges for international companies dependent on Chinese technology, prompting a reevaluation of supply chain dependencies and encouraging diversification of sourcing strategies.

Conclusion

The episode of "Tech News Briefing" provides a comprehensive overview of critical developments impacting the technology sector globally. From Nvidia's resumed operations in China to significant investments by Oracle in Europe, and the evolving regulatory landscape in China affecting global supply chains, the insights presented by Ariana Aspuru offer valuable perspectives for industry stakeholders and tech enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned for more updates in the next Tech Minute.

For those seeking a more in-depth analysis, the Friday morning's "Tech News Briefing" podcast is recommended.

Timestamp Reference:

• 00:02 – Ariana Aspuru introduces the Tech Minute and covers the main news topics.