The United States has approved several billion dollars’ worth of Nvidia Corp. chip exports to American customers, including Oracle Corp., for use in projects based in the United Arab Emirates — marking an early step in executing a controversial deal that could shape President Donald Trump’s approach to AI diplomacy.

According to people familiar with the matter, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security recently granted Nvidia export licenses under the terms of a bilateral artificial intelligence agreement reached in May. The individuals requested anonymity as the discussions involve sensitive information.