diff --git a/tradingagents/llm_clients/openai_client.py b/tradingagents/llm_clients/openai_client.py
index 71d9a400..016724b4 100644
--- a/tradingagents/llm_clients/openai_client.py
+++ b/tradingagents/llm_clients/openai_client.py
@@ -55,8 +55,6 @@ class OpenAIClient(BaseLLMClient):
             api_key = os.environ.get("DEEPSEEK_API_KEY")
             if api_key:
                 llm_kwargs["api_key"] = api_key
-            else:
-                raise ValueError("DEEPSEEK_API_KEY environment variable is required for DeepSeek provider")
         elif self.provider == "openrouter":
             llm_kwargs["base_url"] = "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1"
             api_key = os.environ.get("OPENROUTER_API_KEY")