China’s leading technology companies have placed orders for more than 3 million Nvidia RTX PRO 5500 graphics processing units (GPUs), valued at over $35 billion, as restrictions imposed by the United States limit Chinese access to some of the most advanced artificial intelligence chips. According to a report citing people familiar with the matter, ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent are among the companies seeking the processors. The scale of the orders highlights the growing demand for computing power as Chinese technology firms race to develop and deploy increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

Nvidia’s RTX PRO 5500 is designed primarily for high-performance professional workstations rather than large-scale AI data centres. However, the processor remains among the more powerful Nvidia options available to Chinese customers under current US export restrictions. The companies are reportedly seeking the cards at approximately $11,400 each, reflecting the premium placed on hardware capable of supporting demanding computing workloads. The orders underline how businesses are adapting their procurement strategies to maintain access to Nvidia technology despite restrictions on higher-end products.

The demand has reportedly exceeded Nvidia’s planned production capacity. The chipmaker has warned customers and partners that it cannot guarantee deliveries of the requested quantities, with one source indicating that buyers might receive only 5% to 10% of their orders. Another source said the company could produce no more than 3 million RTX PRO 5500 cards globally in 2027, while Chinese customers alone have reportedly placed orders exceeding 6 million units. These constraints could delay procurement plans and intensify competition for available hardware.

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The rush for alternative processors comes as Washington continues to restrict China's access to advanced AI chips. Nvidia's Blackwell-based B300 data-centre processor is barred from sale to Chinese buyers, while exports of its Hopper-based H200 chip are subject to licensing conditions and case-by-case reviews. Such restrictions are intended to limit China's access to computing capabilities that could have strategic and military applications. However, they have also encouraged Chinese companies to explore alternative hardware and optimise their use of processors that remain available.

Chinese chipmakers, including Huawei, are working to expand domestic alternatives as Beijing seeks to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor technology. Nevertheless, demand for Nvidia products remains strong, partly because of their established software ecosystem and suitability for a range of AI workloads. The RTX PRO 5500 orders illustrate the difficulties Chinese technology companies face in securing sufficient computing resources while navigating export controls and supply constraints. The extent to which Nvidia can fulfil the orders will depend on production capacity, regulatory conditions and the timing of deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

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