Wall Street Breakfast SMCI hit by export scandal
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Mar 20, 2026 Markets reacted to easing Middle East tensions and rising futures. A major server maker is facing charges over alleged NVIDIA GPU export concealment and large sales to China. A consumer giant is reportedly in talks to sell its food brands to a spice company. Headlines also cover shipping chokepoints, potential TV losses, and big-cap takeover fundraising plans.
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SMCI Hit By Alleged Nvidia GPU Export Scheme
- Super Micro Computer shares plunged after DOJ charged three individuals tied to alleged Nvidia GPU export smuggling to China.
- The indictment says the scheme stripped labels, shipped servers via Southeast Asia, and generated about $2.5 billion in sales since 2024, with $510 million in weeks of 2025.
Leadership And Personnel Were Directly Implicated
- The indictment names co-founder Wally Yishin Lau, a Taiwan sales manager Stephen, and contractor Willie and alleges secrecy from manufacturers and authorities.
- Supermicro placed the co-founder and sales manager on leave and cut the contractor after learning of charges.
Unilever In Talks To Sell Food Unit To McCormick
- Unilever received an offer for its food business and is reportedly in talks with McCormick for an all-stock deal.
- The potential separation would let Unilever refocus on beauty, personal care, and home after spinning off Magnum last year.