Chinese AI Firm DeepSeek Allegedly Used Nvidia Blackwell GPUs Despite US Export Ban

• February 24, 2026

Recent reports indicate that DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company, may have utilized Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs, which are subject to US export restrictions, to train its latest AI model. This development raises questions about compliance with the ongoing export control policies imposed by the United States on advanced computing hardware shipments to China.

Use of Restricted Nvidia Hardware for AI Model Training

Despite a recent easing in US policies governing the export of AI computing accelerators to China, Nvidia’s latest Blackwell series has remained off-limits due to their advanced capabilities. These GPUs represent some of the most powerful hardware designed for artificial intelligence workloads, making their access highly regulated. However, sources suggest that DeepSeek has managed to train its newest AI model utilizing these very Blackwell accelerators, which contravenes the intended restrictions.

The US government has maintained strict controls on certain high-end and specialized chip technologies, aiming to curb China’s ability to advance its AI and high-performance computing sectors at the pace of Western competitors. While some relaxation in export rules has been seen recently for select products, Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs, noted for their exceptional AI training performance, remain forbidden under these sanctions.

If verified, DeepSeek’s use of these sanctioned systems would highlight challenges in enforcing export controls and preventing the diffusion of advanced technology. The method by which DeepSeek acquired and deployed the Blackwell GPUs remains unclear, with analysts speculating about potential third-party channels or indirect procurement methods.

China continues to be a critical arena in the global race for artificial intelligence development, with significant investments being made to bolster computational capabilities. Access to cutting-edge hardware like Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs would offer a substantial boost to AI research and development efforts, especially in training complex models requiring intense computational power.

While Nvidia has not publicly commented on these reports, they reflect broader concerns within the tech industry and regulatory bodies about the effectiveness of export restrictions in controlling technology transfer. It also underscores the ongoing technological competition between the US and China, particularly in strategically important sectors like AI.

Both governments and companies face increasing challenges in monitoring and managing the flow of advanced computing hardware. As AI models continue to grow in size and complexity, the demand for superior accelerators intensifies, placing pressure on existing regulatory frameworks.

The situation with DeepSeek and Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs serves as a case study in the complexities of technological governance in a geopolitically sensitive domain. More information is anticipated as investigations and monitoring efforts proceed.

Reports suggest Chinese AI company DeepSeek trained its latest model using Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, despite US export controls banning such hardware.