It’s Not too Late to Fix the AI Exports Program

The American AI Exports Program faces a significant test with bids due in June, but risks promoting deals U.S. firms would close anyway without federal involvement.
The program aims to promote American AI abroad through federal financing, expedited export licensing, and diplomatic support.
The current Call for Proposals is vague on market targets and lacks a clear strategic framework, which could limit its effectiveness against China’s AI dominance.
The program has two tracks: pre-set consortia—industry-led groups offering full-stack AI services—and on-demand consortia, which form around specific export opportunities.
Pre-set consortia may struggle because they depend on voluntary industry partnerships and offer full-stack packages that could deepen foreign dependence on the U.S., contrary to their self-reliance goals.
The U.S. Department of Commerce needs to give clearer guidance on which markets the program will prioritize and develop more precise criteria for evaluating consortia proposals.
The on-demand consortia track could work if Commerce provides more strategic direction on potential export opportunities and assesses whether federal support would actually change the deal’s outcome.
For a successful AI export strategy, the U.S. needs a clear theory of where the government can genuinely add value and present a proposal that speaks to local economic needs while balancing U.S. national interests.