Overview

• The Commerce Department removed Samsung, SK hynix and Intel Semiconductor Ltd. from China’s validated end‑user list, with the change taking effect 120 days after the notice is published.
• Once the grace period ends, the companies must obtain individual licenses to ship U.S.-origin chipmaking equipment to their China facilities.
• Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler said the move closes export‑control loopholes and the agency does not intend to grant licenses that expand capacity or upgrade technology at the affected fabs.
• South Korea’s trade ministry said it was briefed in advance and will work with Washington to minimize disruption for domestic chipmakers.
• Korean media report Samsung’s Xi’an plants produce about 35% of its NAND output and SK hynix’s Wuxi site makes roughly 40% of its DRAM, raising concerns about potential production slowdowns and global memory supply pressure under existing 2022 export limits.