英媒：美政府批准韩企向中国出口芯片制造设备

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has granted Samsung and SK Hynix annual licenses to export chip manufacturing equipment to their factories in China starting in 2026, easing previous restrictions but still imposing new requirements [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Policy Changes - The U.S. has temporarily relaxed restrictions on South Korean companies, allowing them to export chip manufacturing equipment to China under a new annual approval system [1]. - Previously, Samsung and SK Hynix benefited from the "Verified End User" (VEU) system, which allowed them to import controlled items without separate export licenses [1]. - In August, the U.S. Department of Commerce revoked the VEU exemptions for Samsung and SK Hynix, requiring them to obtain export licenses for U.S. equipment sent to their factories in China [1]. Group 2: New Approval Process - The new policy requires Samsung and SK Hynix to submit annual plans detailing the types and quantities of equipment needed, which will be approved on a yearly basis [1][2]. - This new system is considered simpler than the previous case-by-case approval process, reducing uncertainty for Korean companies operating factories in China [2]. - However, the new system is still seen as more stringent than the previous VEU system, making it challenging to accurately predict the annual equipment and component needs [2].