S. Korean Firms Get U.S. Waiver For Chip Gear Supplies To Chinese Plants

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have received permission to supply US chip equipment to their Chinese factories indefinitely without the need for separate US approvals, a development reported by CNN.

The US has already communicated its decision to Samsung and SK Hynix, indicating that it is in effect. I Photo: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine Flickr

The US had been expected to extend the waiver previously granted to South Korean chipmakers, allowing them to bring US chip equipment into China without the need for licenses.

Choi Sang-mok, senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, stated, "Uncertainties about South Korean semiconductor firms' operations and investments in China have been greatly eased; they will be able to calmly seek long-term global management strategies."

The US has already communicated its decision to Samsung and SK Hynix, indicating that it is in effect, according to Choi.

The US Department of Commerce is updating its "validated end user" list, designating entities eligible to receive exports of specific technology, to enable Samsung and SK Hynix to continue supplying certain US chipmaking tools to their China factories, as confirmed by the presidential office.

Once included on the list, there will be no need to obtain separate export permissions.

WEEKLY FEATURE : Jose Mari Chan And The Christmas Anthem