U.S. Plans Annual Export Approvals for Samsung and SK Hynix Chip Supplies in China

The United States is considering new rules that would require Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to seek yearly approvals for exporting chipmaking equipment to their factories in China, according to a Bloomberg report. The proposal marks a shift from the indefinite authorizations the companies previously held under the Biden administration, signaling tighter oversight of semiconductor supply chains linked to China.

Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that U.S. Commerce Department officials recently introduced a “site license” concept during talks with South Korean counterparts. This approach would replace the existing open-ended approvals with an annual review process, giving Washington greater control over advanced chipmaking tools supplied to facilities in China.

The move comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions over technology access and efforts to restrict China’s ability to advance in semiconductor production. By requiring yearly checks, U.S. authorities aim to balance national security concerns with the global chip industry’s need for stability. Samsung and SK Hynix, two of the world’s leading memory chipmakers, have extensive investments in China, making them key stakeholders in the evolving policy.

While the report highlights growing scrutiny, it also underscores ongoing negotiations between Washington and Seoul. South Korea remains a crucial ally in U.S. semiconductor strategy, and any policy shift could affect global supply chains. As the semiconductor industry faces rising demand and geopolitical challenges, the proposed changes signal that U.S. export controls will continue to play a central role in shaping the future of chip manufacturing.

Reuters has not independently verified Bloomberg’s report, but the development highlights the uncertainty chipmakers face as global governments tighten regulations around critical technologies.