US Removes Intel, Samsung, SK Hynix China Units from Verified End-User List, Tightening Export Controls

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), removing Intel Semiconductor (Dalian), Samsung (China) Semiconductor, and SK Hynix Semiconductor (China) from the Validated End-User (VEU) list. The change, announced on August 29, will take effect on December 27, 2025, after which these companies must apply for individual licenses to import U.S. semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The Commerce Department stated that it will approve licenses to maintain existing factory operations but will not permit capacity expansion or advanced technology upgrades. The VEU program previously allowed trusted, low-risk companies to import specified controlled items without separate export licenses.

This policy reversal by the Trump administration ends the grace period granted by the Biden administration in 2023, which had allowed Samsung and SK Hynix to continue introducing advanced equipment to their Chinese facilities. The move subjects semiconductor production at these China-based plants to stricter scrutiny and may impact supply chains and capacity expansion plans.