Chip Clampdown Considered: US May Revoke Tech Access for Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC in China
The United States Department of Commerce is reportedly considering revoking export licenses that currently allow the supply of American technology and equipment to semiconductor factories operated by Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC in China. According to sources familiar with the matter, this move is being evaluated as a potential response should ongoing trade negotiations with China collapse. The report was first published by Reuters.
Although Washington imposed strict export controls on China’s semiconductor industry back in 2022, exemptions were granted to companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix, enabling them to continue receiving critical machinery under special authorization. However, these exemptions — granted under the "Validated End User" (VEU) status — may now be rescinded. This status allows the supply of specific technologies without case-by-case approval.
A White House official clarified, “There are currently no plans to implement this measure, but it is being kept in the toolbox.”
Industry analysts suggest that revoking these licenses could benefit China’s domestic chipmakers by weakening foreign competitors’ operations within the country. Following the report, shares of American semiconductor equipment suppliers saw a decline, while rival firms such as Micron registered gains.
