Samsung and SK Hynix test Chinese chip tools from AMEC as hedge against US export risks

RegulationCommodity
โดย Reuters·KRCN·Read original
Summary · why it matters

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are evaluating chipmaking equipment from China's Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (AMEC) for possible use at their Chinese factories, three people familiar with the matter said, as the South Korean firms hedge against the risk of tighter U.S. export controls. The memory chipmakers began testing AMEC etching equipment about two years ago, when uncertainty was mounting over whether Washington would continue allowing them to import U.S. chipmaking tools into China. Washington revoked the VEU authorization in 2025 and later granted an annual license to the chipmakers to bring in chip manufacturing equipment to their facilities in China for 2026. Even so, both companies remain wary that future restrictions could extend beyond new equipment to the servicing, repair or replacement of Western tools already installed at their Chinese plants, the sources said. For AMEC, winning approval from Samsung or SK Hynix would amount to a powerful commercial endorsement, though any breakthrough would still face hurdles including lengthy qualification processes and potential political pressure from Washington.

Impact on stocks 5

Semiconductors▼ · 5 stocks
SK Hynix Inc
000660
± MixedSupplyrelevance

SK Hynix tests Chinese AMEC tools as hedge against US export risks, but impact on its own operations is uncertain.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
005930
± MixedSupplyrelevance

Samsung tests Chinese AMEC tools as hedge against US export risks, but impact on its own operations is uncertain.

Applied Materials Inc
AMAT
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

US export controls on chip tools to China could limit Applied Materials' sales to Chinese fabs.

KLA Corporation
KLAC
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

US export controls on chip tools to China could limit KLA's sales to Chinese fabs.

Lam Research Corp
LRCX
▼ NegativeRegulationrelevance

US export controls on chip tools to China could limit Lam Research's sales to Chinese fabs.

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