US Approves Samsung, SK Hynix Chip Tool Exports to China Until 2026
US Approves Samsung, SK Hynix Chip Tool Exports to China Until 2026 US Chip Export Approval: Overview On Tuesday, the US government announced that it has granted an annual license to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix allowing them to import chip manufacturing equipment into their facilities in China until 2026. This approval comes as a temporary relief for these South Korean firms amidst stricter regulations affecting their operations globally. This decision follows an earlier move by the US to revoke license waivers that had previously been granted to several technology companies. Impact of New Licensing System on South Korean Firms Samsung and SK Hynix have enjoyed a significant operational advantage due to their validated end user status, which exempted them from robust export restrictions. However, this exemption is set to expire on December 31, 2025, necessitating that any further shipments of American chipmaking tools to China will require new export licenses. Washington's implementation of an annual approval system for chipmaking tool exports ma…