Key Takeaways
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirms “very strong demand” for Blackwell AI chips
- TSMC providing crucial wafer support, though exact quantities remain confidential
- Major memory makers (SK Hynix, Samsung, Micron) scaling up capacity to meet Nvidia’s needs
- No active discussions about selling Blackwell chips to China due to export restrictions
Nvidia is experiencing overwhelming demand for its cutting-edge Blackwell processors, according to CEO Jensen Huang. The semiconductor leader’s appetite for wafers from manufacturing partner TSMC continues to grow significantly to meet this demand.
Comprehensive Chip Ecosystem
During an event with longtime partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co in Hsinchu, Huang explained Nvidia’s comprehensive approach: “Nvidia builds the GPU, but we also build the CPU, the networking, the switches, and so there are a lot of chips associated with Blackwell.”
TSMC CEO C.C. Wei confirmed Huang had “asked for wafers,” though the specific quantity remains confidential. Huang praised TSMC’s support, noting during his fourth Taiwan visit this year that “Nvidia’s success would not be possible without TSMC.”
Memory Supply Chain Strength
When questioned about potential memory shortages, Huang acknowledged business growth would create shortages of “different things” but expressed confidence in Nvidia’s memory partners.
“We have three very, very good memory makers – SK Hynix, Samsung, Micron – are all incredibly good memory makers, and they have scaled up tremendous capacity to support us,” Huang stated. He confirmed Nvidia has received the most advanced chip samples from all three memory manufacturers.
Regarding potential memory price increases, Huang deferred to the manufacturers: “It’s for them to decide how to run their business.”
Industry-Wide AI Boom
The AI-driven chip demand extends across the supply chain. SK Hynix reported last week it had sold out all chip production for next year while planning significant investment increases, anticipating an extended chip “super cycle.”
Samsung Electronics also confirmed it’s in “close discussion” to supply its next-generation high-bandwidth memory chips (HBM4) to Nvidia.
China Market Restrictions
On Friday, Huang clarified there are “no active discussions” about selling Blackwell chips – Nvidia’s flagship AI processors – to China. The Trump administration previously blocked such sales, citing potential military and AI industry benefits to China.
