US Extends China Chip Authorizations for Samsung, SK Hynix, Report Says

South Korean semiconductor companies Samsung and SK Hynix received assurances from the Commerce Department that they will continue to be allowed to supply certain chipmaking tools to their China-based factories, continuing authorizations they had received as part of Commerce’s Oct. 7 China-related chip export controls rule, Reuters reported Oct. 9.

Choi Sang-mok, South Korea’s senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, said “uncertainties about South Korean semiconductor firms' operations and investments in China have been greatly eased; they will be able to calmly seek long-term global management strategies,” according to the report. Reuters also cited statements from both Samsung and Sk Hynix applauding the announcement. SK Hynix said: “We welcome the U.S. government's decision to extend a waiver with regard to the export control regulations.”

Spokespeople for the two companies and for the Bureau of Industry and Security didn’t immediately respond to our requests for comment.

A BIS official earlier this year said the agency was speaking to the companies about potentially extending the authorizations (see 2302240008).