AMD's $9.05B Volume Dips 26.6% to 7th as U.S.-China Tech Tensions Hinder Semiconductor Exports

On August 12, 2025, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) traded at a volume of $9.05 billion, a 26.66% decline from the previous day, ranking seventh in market activity. The stock’s performance coincided with developments in U.S.-China tech policy affecting semiconductor exports.

The White House indicated the recent 15% revenue-sharing agreement between AMD and the U.S. government for China chip sales could expand to other semiconductor firms. This arrangement, part of a broader strategy to balance national security and corporate interests, allows AMD to resume shipments of specific chips to China while ceding a portion of revenue to the government. However, Chinese authorities have advised companies to avoid using AMD’s MI308 chips for government and national security applications, signaling ongoing geopolitical tensions.

President Trump defended the policy, labeling AMD’s H20 chips as “obsolete” and framing the revenue-sharing model as a pragmatic compromise. The deal has drawn bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers questioning its legality and potential to undermine export control principles. Meanwhile, AMD faces dual pressures: navigating U.S. export restrictions while addressing Chinese concerns over chip security, which could delay market access for its products.

AMD’s strategic position in the AI chip market remains pivotal. The company, alongside Nvidia, is navigating a complex landscape where regulatory shifts and geopolitical dynamics directly influence revenue streams. The 15% agreement, while securing limited market access, reflects a broader trend of U.S. policymakers intertwining trade policy with direct financial arrangements—a precedent with uncertain long-term implications for the sector.

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