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Nvidia Surpasses $3 Trillion Market Cap as U.S. Pursues Saudi Arabia Chip Deal

Hannah Perry | May 14, 2025

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Nvidia Reclaims $3 Trillion Market Cap as U.S. Explores Saudi Chip Deal

Nvidia Corporation has made headlines once again by surpassing a market capitalization of $3 trillion for the first time since February. This resurgence in Nvidia’s valuation is largely attributed to expectations surrounding a prospective U.S. chip deal with Saudi Arabia, which is set to be unveiled by President Donald Trump during his upcoming Middle East visit.

The Deal in the Works

According to reports from Bloomberg, the Trump administration is negotiating an agreement that would allow Saudi Arabia greater access to advanced semiconductor technology from American companies such as Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD). The U.S. and Saudi governments are reportedly finalizing the details of this arrangement, designed to bolster Saudi tech capabilities while navigating U.S. national security concerns regarding potential Chinese access to these advanced chips.

Despite China being banned from receiving U.S. advanced semiconductors, there are worries that these chips could still reach Chinese entities either by intercepting shipments or through access via cloud services. Currently, U.S. companies are mandated to secure licenses to sell AI chips to countries in the Middle East, a measure stemming from these very security concerns.

Market Reactions

The news of a potential deal had an immediate positive impact on the market, with shares in Nvidia climbing by 5.6% and closing with a market cap of $3.17 trillion. AMD also saw a 4% increase in its share price by the end of the trading day. Clearly, investors are optimistic about the technological collaboration that this deal could spur in the region.

Addressing Security Concerns

To alleviate U.S. national security apprehensions, discussions have emerged around establishing data embassies that would allow Saudi data centers to fall under foreign regulations rather than local laws. This initiative could foster a more secure environment for both foreign governments and private sector entities focused on technology for peaceful purposes. According to a draft of the law referenced by Bloomberg, these data embassies are being viewed as a viable solution to address potential misuse of advanced chips.

A Shift in Regulatory Framework

This initiative emerges while the Trump administration is reworking rules surrounding the export of advanced chips, following the rollback of AI regulations set forth by the Biden administration. Critics have labeled the previous regulations as complex and bureaucratic, arguing that they could stifle American innovation. A statement from the Bureau of Industry and Security emphasized their commitment to simplifying regulations to promote American dominance in AI technologies.

Broader Implications for Nvidia

The possible agreement with Saudi Arabia is significant not just for geopolitical reasons, but also for Nvidia’s bottom line. The company has faced restrictions on selling its H20 chips to China since April, which it estimated could result in charges reaching up to $5.5 billion in the first fiscal quarter of the ongoing financial year. This new deal could provide a much-needed financial boost to Nvidia, especially if similar arrangements are made with countries like the United Arab Emirates.

Strategic Partnerships in AI Development

In conjunction with these developments, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang announced a partnership to deploy 18,000 chips with a newly launched Saudi AI firm called Humain. This collaborative endeavor seeks to establish a data center with an expected capacity of 500 megawatts. The Humain firm, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is focused on building advanced Arabic language models and AI infrastructure, including extensive data centers. Moreover, AMD has also engaged in a significant partnership with Humain, pledging $10 billion to build the region’s AI capabilities over the next five years.

Conclusion

The trajectory of Nvidia, propelled by potential international deals and burgeoning partnerships, underscores the growing intersection of technology, finance, and geopolitics. As the U.S. government plays a critical role in shaping the landscape of advanced semiconductor technology access, Nvidia’s resurgence in market capitalization signifies a pivotal moment in the semiconductor industry and the future of AI technology both domestically and internationally.