Overview
- Reuters reports that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix received annual 2026 licenses to bring U.S.-made chipmaking equipment into their facilities in China.
- One source said Washington has introduced an annual approval system for exports of chipmaking tools to China.
- Validated end-user status for Samsung, SK Hynix and TSMC ends on December 31, so shipments after that date require U.S. export licenses.
- Yonhap reports the new process uses company-submitted yearly equipment plans, and both South Korean firms have approvals in place for 2026.
- Samsung and SK Hynix declined to comment, the U.S. Commerce Department was not immediately available, and the Trump administration is re-examining export controls to further limit China’s access to advanced U.S. technology.