SINGAPORE, Feb 1 (Bernama): Singapore expects Nvidia and other US companies to comply with US export controls and local domestic legislation, following reports that Chinese startup DeepSeek could have gained access to export-controlled Nvidia chips through intermediaries in the city state.
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) stated on Saturday that the country has always upheld the rule of law and acted decisively and firmly against individuals and companies that flout the rules.
"We expect US companies, like Nvidia, to comply with US export controls and our domestic legislation. Our customs and law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely with their US counterparts,” MTI said in a statement.
It was reported on Friday that US officials are investigating whether DeepSeek purchased US chips that are not permitted to be shipped to China by using intermediaries in Singapore.
MTI said that according to Nvidia’s recent quarterly statement, Singapore accounts for about 22 per cent of its revenue.
Nvidia has stated in its regulatory filing that most shipments associated with Singapore revenue were to locations other than Singapore, and shipments to Singapore were insignificant.
The ministry noted that Nvidia has stated that there is no reason to believe that DeepSeek obtained any export-controlled products from Singapore.
"Nvidia has explained that many of these customers use their business entities in Singapore to purchase chips for products destined for the US and other Western countries,” MTI said.
The ministry noted that Singapore is an international business hub, with major US and European companies having significant operations in the country. - Bernama
