【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】
After Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix of South Korea, TSMC has also been granted relief by the U.S. government.
According to Reuters, TSMC stated on January 1 that the Trump administration had granted the company an "annual license," allowing it to export chip manufacturing equipment to its factories in China in 2026.
In August and September last year, the Trump administration revoked the indefinite licenses obtained by Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC under the Biden administration. Earlier, it was reported that the U.S. introduced an annual approval system, allowing Samsung and SK Hynix to export chip manufacturing equipment to China.
The latest news means that TSMC has joined Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, obtaining temporary relief.
In a statement on January 1, TSMC said: "The U.S. Department of Commerce has granted an annual export license to TSMC's Nanjing factory, allowing suppliers to deliver items subject to U.S. export controls to the Nanjing factory without requiring an 'individual supplier license.' This license was issued before the existing 'Verified End User' (VEU) authorization expires on December 31, 2025."
TSMC told Reuters that this would ensure the operation of its Chinese wafer factory and product delivery would not be disrupted.
Photo of TSMC's Phoenix factory in the U.S., which has repeatedly delayed its commissioning
Previously, semiconductor manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC enjoyed full exemptions, known as the "Verified End User" (VEU) status, allowing them to transport U.S. chip manufacturing equipment to their Chinese factories without applying for individual licenses each time.
However, in August last year, the U.S. revoked the exemptions of Samsung and SK Hynix. A few days later, the U.S. targeted TSMC as well.
Bloomberg previously stated that the U.S. government's move meant that the three companies would have to apply for individual approvals when shipping chip equipment to their Chinese factories, rather than enjoying the full and fast export privileges granted by the VEU status.
According to reports, U.S. officials have long viewed the VEU system as a "loophole" of the Biden administration, concerned about "technology leakage or equipment being transferred to Chinese companies." A source said that overall, the Trump team wanted more information about the supply situations of South Korean chip manufacturers' factories, and only shipments with Washington's active approval would be allowed.
In September last year, Bloomberg cited sources saying that the U.S. government planned to take a step back, proposing an annual review mechanism for the export of chip manufacturing equipment to the Chinese factories of Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC, issuing "annual licenses."
However, the U.S. proposed annual review mechanism has institutional problems. A U.S. official stated in a federal notice that revoking the exemptions of Samsung and SK Hynix would require them to process an additional 1,000 licenses per year. In addition, South Korean companies said they found it difficult to accurately predict which parts they might need to repair production equipment that could break down at any time within 12 months.
Regarding the frequent interference by the U.S. in high-tech fields such as semiconductors, China has repeatedly expressed firm opposition.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce previously pointed out that the semiconductor industry is highly globalized. After decades of development, it has formed an industrial pattern where we are interdependent, which is the result of market rules and corporate choices. The U.S. action is driven by self-interest, using export control tools, which will have important negative impacts on the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain. China opposes this.
The spokesperson emphasized that China urges the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong approach and safeguard the security and stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain. China will take necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises.
This article is exclusive to Observer Net and may not be reprinted without permission.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7590200826535248390/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.