According to Bloomberg's report, the United States proposed that the exemption of Korean Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix's US equipment and materials purchases in China will be reviewed one year. Sources say this is a compromise plan to prevent interference from global electronic industries. Previously, the Trump administration in the United States withdrew its purchase waiver for the two companies in China since the Biden period, which allowed the two companies to purchase relevant equipment and materials for American companies in a more relaxed way.

According to people familiar with the matter, officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce last week proposed a site license plan to relevant Korean officials to replace the indefinite exemption obtained by the two Korean manufacturers since the government was launched. The final user (VEU) license currently implemented will expire at the end of 2025. Although the United States currently restricts the export of semiconductors and their manufacturing equipment to China, the previous VEU may have granted Samsung and SK Hynix China Points permanent authorization based on pre-established safety and monitoring commitments, allowing these points in China to purchase the equipment or materials needed for chip manufacturing to American companies.

People familiar with the matter pointed out that the Trump administration's proposal now requires the two Korean manufacturers to submit a limited equipment, equipment and materials required for the next year in one go, and the specific quantity must be clearly listed. This adds new complexity to the review process, but also provides Korean manufacturers with a way to continue operating production sites in China. The wafers produced at these sites are being widely used in various equipment from smartphones to data centers, so U.S. officials said they do not want to hinder the normal operation of these factories, but will not approve equipment exports that may be used for upgrading or building factories.

Overall, Washington's draft proposal has made Korean industry and government officials feel comforted by the existence of solutions and frustrated by the new burden. The Ministry of Trade and Resources, including Samsung and Korea, did not comment on the news. SK Hynix, the U.S. Department of Commerce Industry and Security Bureau has not responded to news reports.