[Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Reportedly Testing Equipment from China's AMEC to Address Risks of U.S. Export Restrictions] BlockBeats News, August 5, according to a Reuters report, three sources familiar with the matter stated that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are evaluating etching equipment from China's AMEC (Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc.) for potential use in their factories in China to mitigate risks posed by further tightening of U.S. export restrictions on chip equipment. The two companies began related testing about two years ago but have not yet decided to expand deployment. Sources indicated that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are concerned that future restrictions might extend from new equipment to the maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing Western equipment in their Chinese factories. As a result, they are considering Chinese suppliers as backup options for maintaining and upgrading existing production lines, rather than for expanding production capacity in China. Samsung Electronics denied having tested or considered using AMEC equipment in its Chinese factories, while SK Hynix declined to comment. The U.S. plans to revoke the "Verified End User" status of the two companies' Chinese factories in 2025, after which it will issue annual licenses for importing chip manufacturing equipment starting 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. manufacturers such as Applied Materials and Lam Research. If AMEC's equipment is eventually certified by Samsung Electronics or SK Hynix, it would represent significant commercial recognition for Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturers. According to TechInsights data, Chinese equipment is typically priced 20% to 30% lower than comparable overseas products but still faces challenges such as longer certification cycles, smaller service networks, intellectual property issues, and political pressures. [Original Link]