Signal BIS revokes validated end-user status for Samsung and SK hynix plants in China

Summary

In October 2023 Washington granted Samsung Electronics' and SK's chip plants in China Validated End-User status, removing, within limits, uncertainty over installing and maintaining equipment. In September 2025, however, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security announced it would revoke VEU authorisations for Intel's Dalian plant, Samsung's China chip operations and SK hynix China. As a result, shipments of advanced equipment to the Samsung and SK hynix plants were barred, while TSMC's China facility escaped similar action. China's commerce ministry protested that the US was turning export controls into a tool for selfish reasons and said it would take necessary steps to protect companies' legitimate rights. The case shows how Korean firms operating in China are directly exposed to US export control decisions.