The paradox of U.S. regulations: Samsung and SK review Chinese semiconductor equipment, Reuters

[Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul] Samsung Electronics and SK hynix were reportedly reviewing whether equipment from Chinese semiconductor equipment maker AMEC could be used at their factories in China, as they prepared for the possibility of tighter U.S. export controls on semiconductor shipments to China. Analysts say the U.S. restrictions, rather than curbing China’s semiconductor industry, are instead widening market opportunities for Chinese equipment makers.
Reuters reported on the 5th, citing three people familiar with the matter, that Samsung Electronics and SK hynix had been testing AMEC’s etching equipment for about two years. The companies were seeking alternative equipment amid growing uncertainty over whether the United States would continue allowing American semiconductor tools to be shipped to their factories in China.
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix denied the report. Samsung Electronics said, "We have never tested or reviewed AMEC equipment for use at our factories in China," while SK hynix said, "We have never tested AMEC equipment for our China factories."
In 2023, the United States designated the China-based factories of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as verified end users (VEU), allowing some American-made equipment to be shipped in. But after revoking that status in 2025, it has now shifted to an annual approval system. Industry watchers are concerned that the restrictions could expand beyond new equipment to include maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement for existing tools.
As a result, the two companies are said to be reviewing Chinese equipment makers as a backup option to keep their existing production lines running stably, rather than expanding production capacity in China.
The case is also being seen as an example of the paradox created by U.S. technology restrictions on China. Measures designed to contain China’s semiconductor industry are instead giving Chinese equipment makers a chance to enter foreign-owned chip fabs.
Market research firm TechInsights said Chinese etching and deposition equipment is 20% to 30% cheaper than global rivals. Deutsche Bank projected that Chinese equipment makers including AMEC, NAURA Technology Group Co., Ltd., Piotech, and ACM Research will account for 25% to 30% of China’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment market this year.



[email protected] Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter