Huawei’s HiFloat4 training format outperforms Western-developed MXFP4 in tests on Ascend chips, showing the potential for Chinese companies to develop efficient low-precision data formats for their own hardware. This development could be driven by export controls limiting access to advanced computing technology. The success of HiFloat4 is significant because it enables more efficient training and inference on specialized AI accelerators. Why it matters: this breakthrough highlights the impact of export controls on driving innovation in Chinese tech companies, as they seek to maximize efficiency in their homegrown chips.