China\'s AI companies are rapidly expanding global market share with low-cost open-source models that users can download and modify, as the United States regulates access to high-performance models from OpenAI and Anthropic. Some Chinese systems are assessed as comparable to Anthropic\'s top model in certain cybersecurity scenarios. The U.S. is easing some export bans but maintains a national export-control stance. Companies globally are rolling out new AI chips, tools and systems, while demand grows for cost-efficient AI use.

Companies are stepping up efforts to use AI more cost-effectively as usage grows and expenses weigh. Some are cutting AI costs by mixing cheaper models with high-performance systems from OpenAI and Anthropic, or by using routing software that selects models automatically. Others set limits on employee usage or restrict access to expensive models. Firms are also refining prompts to reduce “thinking” time. Open-source models, including Chinese ones, are gaining share.