Overview

• Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security removed Samsung, SK hynix and an Intel unit from the validated end‑user list in an Aug. 29 Federal Register notice, requiring export licenses for U.S. chipmaking equipment sent to their China facilities.
• The change takes effect in 120 days, with the department saying it will approve licenses needed to operate current plants but does not intend to allow capacity expansion or technology upgrades.
• Samsung’s Xi’an complex produces roughly 35–40% of its NAND output and SK hynix’s Wuxi plant makes about 40% of its DRAM, highlighting potential disruption if tool replacements or upgrades are curtailed.
• South Korea said it was briefed in advance and will work with Washington to limit fallout; SK hynix pledged to stay in close contact with both governments, while Samsung did not immediately comment.
• China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the decision as a misuse of export controls, and shares of U.S. tool makers Lam Research, Applied Materials and KLA fell as analysts warned the shift could create openings for Chinese memory rivals unless further steps follow.