Lithuanian importers of artificial intelligence (AI) chips have stated that newly announced US export controls will not significantly affect their operations. This follows Washington’s decision to exclude Lithuania from its list of AI chip partners, as part of a broader move to impose export restrictions on domestically produced AI chips used in Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
The restrictions, targeting graphics processing units (GPUs) from major US companies such as Nvidia and AMD, will not impact 18 US partner countries, including several European nations like Germany, France, and the UK. However, Lithuania falls into a third category, where chip imports will be allowed but under certain limitations.
Rėdas Šimelis, of 3RTechnology, Lithuania’s largest importer of Nvidia products, confirmed that the restrictions are unlikely to impact their business or the local tech market significantly. “We will not be affected in any way,” Šimelis told LRT.lt, noting that the minimum import volume threshold is about 90 million euros, a figure that local companies are unlikely to reach.
In 2024, 3RTechnology had a turnover of around 3 million euros, suggesting that the restrictions will have limited practical effect. Šimelis also indicated that the restrictions might be a preventive measure against sanction evasion via Lithuania.
Simonas Černiauskas, head of the Lithuanian digital technology association Infobalt, echoed Šimelis’s sentiment, noting that the current demand for such chips in Lithuania is unlikely to exceed the set limits. He highlighted that major enterprises, such as large startups and government agencies, are the primary consumers of IoT solutions requiring advanced GPUs.
Lithuania’s Economy and Innovation Minister, Lukas Savickas, expressed surprise at the US decision and indicated plans to discuss the issue with the US ambassador. Analysts, including Justinas Mickus from Lithuania’s Centre for Strategic Analysis (STRATA), suggested the restrictions might be driven by economic competition, aiming to consolidate key technological partnerships.
The export control measures are set to take effect 120 days after their announcement, providing a window for review by the incoming US administration. While Lithuania is not alone in facing these restrictions, the country’s exclusion from the list of trusted AI chip partners has raised questions about its role in the global tech ecosystem.
As the global tech landscape evolves, the impact of such regulatory measures on smaller markets like Lithuania remains to be fully seen. However, the initial response from local industry leaders suggests a cautious optimism about managing within the new constraints.