TechCrunch Industry News The US imposes 25% tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips headed to China; plus, OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs
Jan 15, 2026
New tariffs are shaking up the tech landscape as the U.S. imposes a hefty 25% fee on certain AI chips shipped to China. NVIDIA gains ground with permission to sell to vetted Chinese clients amidst this economic tension. Meanwhile, OpenAI makes waves with a $250 million investment in Merge Labs, a startup aiming to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces using non-invasive methods. This investment reflects Altman’s vision of a human-machine merge, contrasting with Neuralink’s invasive tech, igniting discussions on the future of human interaction with AI.
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U.S. Tariff On H200 Chips
- The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain advanced AI chips like Nvidia's H200 headed to China after they transited the U.S. and were produced abroad.
- The tariff formalizes export control balance: allowing vetted sales while adding a tax barrier and leaving China to set its own import rules.
China's Balancing Act On Chip Imports
- China must weigh importing Nvidia chips versus accelerating domestic semiconductor development.
- Beijing is drafting purchase limits that could allow selective imports while pushing local industry growth.
OpenAI Backs Merge Labs
- OpenAI led the largest single check in Merge Labs' $250M seed at an $850M valuation, deepening ties between Altman's ventures.
- OpenAI will collaborate on scientific foundation models and tools, linking its AI stack to Merge Labs' BCI research.