韩国芯片，忧心忡忡

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential implications of U.S. trade policies on foreign semiconductor manufacturers operating in China, particularly focusing on the concerns raised by South Korea regarding U.S. restrictions on Chinese chip manufacturers and the possible withdrawal of exemptions for companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC [1][2][5]. Group 1: U.S. Trade Negotiations - South Korea's Trade Minister expressed concerns about U.S. policies that may hinder foreign chip manufacturers in China during upcoming trade negotiations in Washington [1]. - South Korea currently imposes a 10% tariff on goods imported from China and a 25% tariff on specific countries, with a 90-day suspension period [1]. - The South Korean government may not meet the July deadline for a trade agreement with the U.S., indicating ongoing negotiations beyond that date [1]. Group 2: Impact on Semiconductor Manufacturers - The U.S. Commerce Department is considering revoking exemptions granted to global chip manufacturers, making it more challenging for them to operate in China [2][5]. - If exemptions are revoked, it could significantly impact the ability of foreign chip manufacturers to conduct business in China, where their semiconductors are widely used across various industries [2][5]. - The stock prices of U.S. chip equipment manufacturers fell following reports of potential policy changes, indicating market sensitivity to these developments [2][3]. Group 3: Verification and Compliance - Companies like Samsung and SK Hynix have received "Verified End User" (VEU) status, allowing them to receive specified U.S. goods without multiple export licenses [4]. - The VEU status is conditional, including restrictions on certain equipment and reporting requirements [5]. - The U.S. Commerce Department stated that chip manufacturers can still operate in China under new enforcement mechanisms, which align with existing licensing requirements for other semiconductor companies exporting to China [5].