Technology

U.S. government considers annual permits for Samsung and SK hynix to supply equipment to their Chinese fabs

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Sep 8, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

The U.S. government is considering replacing indefinite export permissions for Samsung and SK hynix's Chinese fabs with annual licenses to maintain continuity in DRAM and NAND memory supply. The new 'site license' model would require yearly applications specifying equipment quantities, aiming to prevent technology access expansion in China. While this approach could prevent supply chain disruptions, concerns exist about its inflexibility and potential delays due to unforeseen equipment needs. The change in policy is part of U.S. efforts to limit China's development of advanced chips, with Washington seeking greater visibility into shipments to Chinese fabs owned by allied nations like South Korea and Taiwan.

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