Overview

• The BIS notice removes Samsung, SK hynix and Intel Semiconductor Ltd. from the VEU list, with changes taking effect 120 days after the Sept. 2 Federal Register publication.
• Without VEU status, the companies must secure individual export licenses for U.S.-origin chipmaking tools and parts destined for their China fabs.
• 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 near-term supply risk.
• Seoul says it was briefed in advance and will work with Washington to minimize disruption for South Korean chipmakers.
• The action is presented as closing a “Biden-era loophole,” signaling a tighter U.S. export-control stance under Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler.