Samsung và SK Hynix thử nghiệm thiết bị từ công ty Trung Quốc để giảm thiểu các hạn chế xuất khẩu của Mỹ

The Huoxing Finance report states that on August 5, according to Reuters, three sources said Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are evaluating etching equipment from China’s Zhongwei Company for potential use in their factories in China, as a safeguard against the risk of further U.S. restrictions on semiconductor equipment exports. Both companies began related testing approximately two years ago but have not yet decided to expand deployment. The sources indicated that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are concerned that future restrictions could extend to the maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing Western-made equipment in their Chinese factories, thus viewing Chinese suppliers as a backup option for sustaining and upgrading existing production lines, rather than for expanding capacity in China. Samsung Electronics denied having tested or considered using Zhongwei’s equipment in its Chinese factories, while SK Hynix declined to comment. The U.S. revoked the “Verified End User” status for both companies’ Chinese facilities in 2025 and now issues annual licenses for their importation of chip manufacturing equipment in 2026. Samsung Electronics operates a NAND factory in Xi’an, while SK Hynix operates a NAND factory in Dalian and a DRAM factory in Wuxi; these production lines currently rely heavily on etching equipment from U.S. vendors such as Applied Materials and Lam Research. If Zhongwei’s equipment ultimately receives certification from Samsung Electronics or SK Hynix, it would represent a significant commercial endorsement for China’s semiconductor equipment manufacturers. According to TechInsights data, Chinese equipment is typically priced 20% to 30% lower than comparable overseas products, but still faces obstacles such as lengthy certification cycles, limited service networks, intellectual property concerns, and political pressure.