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U.S. Secretly Embeds Trackers in AI Chip Shipments to Detect Diversions to China

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U.S. authorities have placed hidden location trackers in select shipments of advanced AI chips to monitor potential illegal diversions to China. The tactic, previously unreported, targets high-risk shipments and aims to enforce export restrictions on companies like Nvidia, AMD, Dell, and Super Micro. Trackers are embedded in packaging and sometimes inside the servers themselves, enabling investigators to track products and build cases against violators. The Department of Commerce, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations may all be involved. While U.S. officials see it as a law enforcement tool, Chinese authorities have criticized such measures as attempts to control technology access.

AMD and Super Micro Shares Slide as AI Growth Expectations Dim After Data Center Results Miss

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Shares of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O) and server maker Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O) fell sharply in early trading Wednesday after both companies reported weaker-than-expected results in their data center segments, casting doubt on their AI growth prospects and competitive standing. AMD shares dropped 5.1%, while Super Micro plummeted 18.2%, with the latter potentially losing over $6 billion in market value.

AMD’s data center revenue, driven by Instinct AI chips and server CPUs, grew 14% to $3.2 billion in Q2—slightly below analyst forecasts—and lagged far behind rival Nvidia’s 73% jump to $39.11 billion in the same segment. Jefferies analysts said the AI outlook failed to deliver the strong upside some investors anticipated. CEO Lisa Su cited U.S. export restrictions on AMD’s MI308 AI chips to China as a factor in year-over-year AI revenue declines, with no clear timeline for lifting those limits. HSBC noted that expectations for revenue recovery from lifting export restrictions appear muted.

The chip sector faces additional risks from impending U.S. tariffs on semiconductor imports and supply chain vulnerabilities tied to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which produces AMD’s advanced 3-nanometer wafers. Analyst Michael Ashley Schulman warned any slowdown at TSMC could disproportionately impact AMD.

Super Micro missed Q4 estimates amid intense competition from larger server makers Dell and HP, suffering from execution issues and Nvidia chip supply delays. Analyst Gil Luria of D.A. Davidson noted signs of market share loss. While over 70% of Super Micro’s Q4 revenue is linked to AI platforms, the company’s margins remain pressured by high AI server production costs and fierce rivalry. Bank of America analysts highlighted ongoing uncertainty over the gross margin impact this quarter.

Super Micro CEO Charles Liang expressed optimism about improved chip availability driving better growth going forward. Dell’s shares also declined 1.7% on the news.

AMD trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 32.39, compared to Super Micro’s 19.69.

Two Chinese Nationals in California Charged with Illegal Export of Nvidia AI Chips to China

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Two Chinese nationals residing in California, Chuan Geng and Shiwei Yang, have been arrested and charged by the U.S. Justice Department for illegally exporting tens of millions of dollars’ worth of advanced Nvidia AI chips, including H100 processors, to China without the required U.S. Commerce Department licenses. The alleged activities took place between October 2022 and July 2025.

Geng, 28, from Pasadena, and Yang, 28, from El Monte, ran ALX Solutions, a company founded in 2022 shortly after the U.S. imposed stringent export controls to curb China’s military modernization by restricting advanced technology exports. ALX allegedly shipped over 20 consignments through Singapore and Malaysia, common transshipment hubs used to conceal shipments destined for China. Payments for these shipments came directly from companies in China and Hong Kong, not the freight forwarders.

From at least August 2023 to July 2024, ALX reportedly purchased more than 200 Nvidia H100 chips—highly advanced AI processors used in training large language models—from San Jose-based Super Micro Computer. Invoices falsely declared end customers in Singapore and Japan, but U.S. export officials could not verify the shipments or companies at the listed locations.

Nvidia emphasized its strict compliance with U.S. export controls, noting that diverted products receive no support or updates. Super Micro affirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance and cooperation with authorities.

Geng was released on $250,000 bond following a federal court appearance in Los Angeles, while Yang, who overstayed her visa, faces a detention hearing on August 12.