SEOUL, South Korea – Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have evaluated chipmaking equipment from China’s Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment as a possible option for their factories in China, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the matter.
The memory-chip makers began testing AMEC etching equipment about two years ago as uncertainty grew over continued access to U.S. chipmaking tools, according to the report. The evaluations have not led to a decision on wider deployment.
Samsung told Reuters that it had not tested AMEC equipment for use at its China factory and had not considered doing so. SK Hynix declined to comment. AMEC and the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security also did not immediately respond to the news organization.
The United States revoked a special authorization for Samsung and SK Hynix’s Chinese facilities in 2025, ending a system that had allowed some controlled equipment imports without individual licenses. Washington later granted annual licenses covering equipment shipments for 2026.
The companies remain concerned that future restrictions could affect the service, repair or replacement of Western tools already installed at their Chinese plants, Reuters reported. Chinese suppliers could provide a contingency for maintaining existing production lines rather than expanding capacity.
The evaluations illustrate a difficult policy effect. Controls meant to slow China’s semiconductor advances can also encourage foreign manufacturers operating there to qualify Chinese alternatives. A successful evaluation by either Korean chipmaker would be a significant commercial endorsement for AMEC, even if no broad deployment follows.