U.S. Dominance in AI Compute Reaches 69%, Fueling Global Digital Divide

The United States currently controls a commanding 69% of the world's Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing power, according to a recent update from market analyst Evan, shared on the social media platform X on August 12, 2025. This significant concentration underscores America's leading position in the infrastructure vital for developing and deploying advanced AI models. The figure highlights a growing disparity in technological capabilities globally.

This substantial lead is largely attributed to major U.S.-based hyperscale cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, which collectively command approximately 70% of the global cloud computing market. These companies, alongside dominant U.S. chipmakers like Nvidia, have made multi-billion dollar investments in data centers and specialized hardware, establishing a formidable foundation for AI development. Nvidia's recent financial reports reflect this trend, with its data center revenue surging by 73% year-on-year, demonstrating its unparalleled influence in AI computing hardware.

The increasing centralization of AI compute power in the U.S. is creating a new digital divide, segmenting the world into nations with advanced AI capabilities and those without. Many countries, particularly in Africa and South America, possess minimal AI computing hubs, hindering their ability to develop their own cutting-edge AI systems. This reliance on foreign infrastructure can lead to challenges such as high costs, slower connection speeds, and vulnerability to external policies.

This technological imbalance carries significant geopolitical and economic implications, as AI compute becomes a strategic asset. The U.S. is leveraging its advantage through measures like export controls on advanced AI chips, aiming to manage global AI diffusion and maintain its leadership. In response, countries like India, Brazil, and those within the European Union are initiating substantial investments to build their own "sovereign AI" infrastructure, seeking to reduce dependency and foster local innovation.

The global scramble for AI computing power underscores its recognition as essential national infrastructure, akin to electricity or the internet. While the U.S. currently holds a dominant position, the rapid pace of AI development and the concerted efforts by other nations to close the gap suggest a dynamic and evolving landscape. The ongoing race for compute capacity will continue to shape international relations and the future of technological advancement.