Singapore and US to Continue Close Cooperation on Export Controls
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has stated that Singapore’s customs and law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely with their US counterparts on export controls. This announcement comes as questions have been raised over whether DeepSeek gained access to Nvidia chips that were subject to export controls through Singapore intermediaries.
Singapore’s Stance on Export Controls
In a statement, the MTI emphasized that it expects US companies, such as Nvidia, to comply with US export controls and local domestic legislation. The ministry has a track record of upholding the rule of law and acting decisively against individuals and companies that flout the rules.
Nvidia’s Relationship with Singapore
Nvidia has stated that many US and European companies purchase chips with their Singapore business entities, which are then destined for US and other Western nations. According to the company’s third-quarter earnings report, Nvidia booked 22% of its Q3 revenue from customers with Singapore as a billing location.
US Senate Hearing and Concerns
At the US Commerce Secretary confirmation hearing on Wednesday, President Donald Trump’s nominee, Howard Lutnick, suggested that DeepSeek found a way to sidestep US export controls to buy Nvidia’s chips. US Representatives John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi have also written to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, expressing concerns that countries like Singapore should be subject to strict licensing requirements, absent a willingness to crack down on shipments to China.
DeepSeek’s Use of Nvidia Chips
DeepSeek’s technical report claims that the company used a cluster of 2,048 Nvidia H800 chips over about two months to produce its v3 large language model, which was released in December 2024. The US government allowed Nvidia to ship H800 chips to China until October 2023.
Conclusion
The close cooperation between Singapore and the US on export controls will continue to be crucial in ensuring that sensitive technologies are not misused by malicious actors. The Ministry of Trade and Industry’s statement reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and acting decisively against those who flout the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the relationship between Singapore and the US on export controls?
A: The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has stated that Singapore’s customs and law enforcement agencies will continue to work closely with their US counterparts on export controls.
Q: What is the role of Singapore in the export of Nvidia chips?
A: Nvidia has stated that many US and European companies purchase chips with their Singapore business entities, which are then destined for US and other Western nations.
Q: What is the significance of DeepSeek’s use of Nvidia chips?
A: DeepSeek’s technical report claims that the company used a cluster of 2,048 Nvidia H800 chips over about two months to produce its v3 large language model, which was released in December 2024.
