The U.S. government is now actively organizing and promoting American artificial intelligence technology for global export, marking a significant shift in how Washington approaches AI competition internationally. The Department of Commerce announced the inaugural call for proposals for the American AI Exports Program on April 1, 2026, inviting U.S. companies to form industry-led consortia and submit proposals to deliver complete AI technology packages to international partners .

What Is the American AI Exports Program?

The program implements a presidential directive to organize and promote export-ready, end-to-end AI systems that integrate U.S. technology across the full value chain. Rather than selling individual components, the initiative focuses on "full-stack" solutions that bundle together everything needed to deploy AI systems domestically in allied nations .

Applications are being accepted through June 30, 2026, at AIexports.gov. The Department of Commerce will review proposals on a rolling basis, with interagency evaluation involving the Departments of State, War, and Energy, as well as the Office of Science and Technology Policy .

What Components Must These AI Packages Include?

The program requires that full-stack AI export packages integrate multiple layers of technology across the entire AI development and deployment pipeline:

• Computing Hardware: AI-optimized hardware that serves as the foundation for processing power
• Data Infrastructure: Data pipelines and labeling systems necessary for training and managing AI models
• AI Models and Systems: The actual artificial intelligence models and systems that perform the core functions
• Security Measures: Security and cybersecurity protections specifically designed for AI models and systems
• Sector-Specific Applications: AI applications tailored for particular industries or functional use cases

This integrated approach differs from previous export models that focused on individual technologies. By bundling these components together, the U.S. aims to offer comprehensive solutions that countries can deploy without relying on foreign suppliers for critical pieces .

How to Prepare a Winning Proposal for the Program

Companies interested in participating should understand the specific requirements the Department of Commerce expects in submitted proposals:

• Consortium Overview: A clear description of the industry-led group submitting the proposal and how member companies will collaborate
• Package Description: Detailed documentation of the full-stack AI solution being offered, including all five component layers
• Target Markets: Identification of specific countries or regions where the technology will be deployed
• Business Model: Explanation of how the consortium will operate commercially and generate revenue
• Federal Support Request: Any specific assistance or resources the consortium is requesting from the U.S. government
• National Interest Statement: A description of how the proposal advances U.S. national interests and strategic objectives

The complete list of proposal requirements is available on the AIexports.gov website .

What Benefits Do Selected Consortia Receive?

Consortia designated for inclusion in the program gain access to substantial government support and resources. These benefits include priority government-to-government advocacy and engagement with foreign partners, promotion through official U.S. government activities and events, priority consideration for transaction-specific export control engagement, and facilitated access to federal financing tools and interagency coordination .

"The American AI Exports Program delivers on President Trump's directive to ensure that American AI systems, built on trusted hardware, secure data, and world-leading innovation, are deployed at scale around the world," said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce

The program represents a coordinated national effort to expand exports of the American AI technology stack, support high-value U.S. jobs, and ensure that the next generation of global AI infrastructure is built on American technology, standards, and values .

Why Is This Program Emerging Now?

The timing of this initiative reflects growing geopolitical competition over AI infrastructure and influence. China has been aggressively building digital infrastructure across Africa and other regions through state-backed investments in data centers, cloud services, and 5G networks. Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Alibaba have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars for African data centers and labs, while state-led investments are tying data centers to energy projects across the continent .

By contrast, the American AI Exports Program represents a more coordinated U.S. government approach to competing for influence in developing regions. Rather than leaving AI infrastructure development entirely to private companies, the federal government is now actively organizing and promoting American solutions as a strategic alternative to foreign competitors .

"We are turning President Trump's vision for sharing a trusted, sovereign AI stack with the world into action. By fueling this next phase of the AI Exports Program, we will unlock global markets and opportunities for U.S. companies and workers while cementing America's position as the indispensable engine of secure, cutting-edge AI with our partners and allies," explained Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

How Does This Compare to Other Nations' Approaches?

Other advanced economies are pursuing their own sovereign AI strategies. Japan, for example, has implemented a comprehensive approach that binds AI governance, compute infrastructure, and semiconductor manufacturing into a single national project. Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has positioned itself as a trusted platform for global innovation by strengthening domestic capabilities while building diversified global supply chains .

Japan's strategy emphasizes what officials call "trusted interdependence," where the country develops domestic AI infrastructure while remaining open to global partnerships. This contrasts with more isolationist approaches and reflects a model that other advanced economies may increasingly adopt .

The American AI Exports Program similarly emphasizes partnership with allied nations rather than technological isolation. By offering comprehensive, government-backed AI solutions, the U.S. aims to deepen ties with partners while ensuring that critical AI infrastructure is built on American technology and values .