[Edaily Reporter KIM YOON JI ] Reuters reported on the 5th that SamsungElectronics(005930)and SK hynix(000660)are evaluating equipment from Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturer AMEC for use in their factories in China in preparation for the possibility of tighter U.S. export controls.
According to multiple sources, the two companies began testing AMEC’s etching equipment two years ago in preparation for tighter U.S. export controls. Although these companies have not yet introduced AMEC’s equipment into their factories in China, Reuters noted that AMEC has gained a rare opportunity to have its equipment performance verified by global semiconductor manufacturers.
Some have pointed out that this highlights a paradox inherent in U.S. semiconductor export controls targeting China. This is because measures designed to curb the development of China’s semiconductor industry have, in fact, created an opportunity for Chinese equipment manufacturers to expand their presence in foreign-owned semiconductor factories within China.
However, SamsungElectronics stated in a statement sent to Reuters that it has never tested AMEC’s equipment with the intention of introducing it to its Chinese factories, nor has it ever considered doing so. SK hynix declined to comment, according to Reuters.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce designated the Chinese factories of SamsungElectronics and SK hynix as “Validated End Users” (VEU). As a result, the two companies were able to import certain controlled U.S.-made equipment into their Chinese factories without case-by-case licenses.
However, the U.S. government revoked the VEU designation in 2025. Subsequently, it granted the two companies annual licenses allowing them to import semiconductor manufacturing equipment into their Chinese factories through 2026. Sources said the two companies are concerned that future regulations could be expanded to cover not only new equipment but also the maintenance, repair, and replacement of Western-made equipment already installed at their Chinese factories.
Accordingly, the sources added that rather than expanding production capacity in China, the two companies are securing Chinese equipment manufacturers as backup suppliers as an alternative to maintaining and improving their existing production lines.
SamsungElectronics operates a NAND flash memory plant in Xi’an, China. SK hynix has a NAND plant in Dalian and a DRAM memory plant in Wuxi. The two companies’ Chinese plants use etching equipment from U.S. firms such as Applied Materials and Lam Research.
Reuters noted that if Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturers such as AMEC receive approval from SamsungElectronics or SK hynix, it would effectively amount to obtaining commercial-grade quality certification. Chinese equipment manufacturers are generally considered to still lag behind their Western competitors in the fields of advanced lithography equipment and some inspection equipment. However, Reuters reported that they have narrowed the gap in etching, deposition, cleaning, and planarization, and their prices are significantly lower than those of existing overseas suppliers.
AMEC’s equipment is already in use by major Chinese semiconductor companies, including NAND manufacturer Yangtze Memory Technology (YMTC). Sources said this led SamsungElectronics and SK hynix to conclude that some of the equipment had matured sufficiently to warrant testing.