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US Probes Singapore Logistics Firm Over Nvidia Chip Smuggling to China
Electronic Technology · Semiconductors · yonhap_finance · 2026-08-27
The US Department of Commerce is investigating Apex Logistics for allegedly shipping Nvidia AI chips to China in violation of export controls.
What Happened
Investigation Launched: The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is investigating Singapore-based Apex Logistics. The probe centers on allegations that the firm facilitated the shipment of servers containing Nvidia AI chips to China, violating U.S. export restrictions.
Scope of Inquiry: Authorities are currently reviewing 47 specific shipments handled by Apex. While the exact volume of Nvidia chips involved remains unclear, the investigation highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing high-end hardware from reaching restricted regions.
Logistics Accountability: This investigation serves as a warning that logistics companies may be held liable for transporting goods that breach semiconductor export controls. Apex has confirmed its cooperation with the U.S. authorities and acknowledged that some materials may have been diverted to prohibited areas.
Geopolitical Context: Since 2022, the U.S. has restricted the sale of advanced AI hardware to China due to concerns over potential military applications. Despite these measures, the emergence of a black market has prompted the U.S. to intensify scrutiny across global supply chains.