US eases chip curbs on Chinese-based South Korean factories

ISTANBUL

The US has decided to permit exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix factories in China without requiring a separate approval process, Seoul’s presidential office said on Monday.

"The US government's decision means that the most significant trade issue of our semiconductor companies has been resolved,” South Korea’s senior presidential secretary for economic affairs told a press briefing.

This decision comes as significant relief for the Korean chipmakers, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

Last October, the US introduced a series of regulations aimed at limiting exports of specific advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment and goods to Chinese firms.

This move was seen as an effort to impede Beijing's progress in the crucial technology sector.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix were granted a one-year waiver at that time due to concerns that these restrictions could disrupt their operations in China.

However, the new decision eliminates uncertainties surrounding their chip production in China, which relies in part on US equipment.