The Biden administration in the United States has taken steps to allow Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to import equipment needed for their foundries in China.

On the 9th, the Office of the President announced in a briefing that the US government had informed the South Korean government of its decision to indefinitely suspend regulations restricting the import of advanced semiconductor equipment, such as EUV, into China for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

Choi Sang-mok, Senior Secretary to the President for Economic Affairs, explained in a briefing, “On the 9th, we notified the final decision to designate Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix’s semiconductor plants in China as verified end users (VEUs) under U.S. export administration regulations, allowing them to supply equipment without separate licensing procedures or time restrictions.”

It has been reported that SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have already been notified of the measure, and that it will take effect immediately from the time of notification.

Secretary Choi Sang-mok said, “This decision means that the biggest trade issue for semiconductor companies has been resolved,” and “The uncertainty surrounding investment in semiconductor factories in China and domestic semiconductor companies has been resolved, and it has become possible to explore global management strategies accordingly.”rdquo; said.

Despite the comprehensive export permit exemption granted for the past year, the expiry date of that permit was October 11th, creating growing uncertainty for semiconductor factories in China and domestic companies. The South Korean government stated that it has worked hard to ease export controls through close dialogue and negotiations with the US government.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix welcomed the easing of export controls and praised the efforts of each country's government.