The U.S. government has given approval to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The approval allows both companies to import American chipmaking equipment into their factories in China in 2026. The information was reported by Reuters on Tuesday. The report cited people familiar with the matter.
This decision comes after a major policy change earlier this year. Washington had removed broad license waivers that some foreign chipmakers in China were using. Those waivers had made it easier to move U.S. technology into the country.
Under the new system, things will work differently. U.S. authorities will now review export approvals every year. This applies to semiconductor manufacturing tools sent to China. Each case will need fresh approval instead of long term clearance.
The market reacted positively to the news. SK Hynix shares rose 1.5% in Seoul. Samsung shares also moved higher and gained close to 1%.
Earlier, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. enjoyed a special status. This status was called validated end user. It allowed them to receive U.S. equipment without applying for separate licenses each time.
That privilege is about to end. The status will expire on Dec. 31. After that, every shipment of U.S. chipmaking equipment to their China plants will need direct approval from U.S. authorities.
China plays a key role for both Samsung and SK Hynix. Many of their memory chips are produced there. These chips are widely used in artificial intelligence data centers. Any restriction on equipment access could affect their production plans in the future.
