SEOUL/SHANGHAI: Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have been evaluating chipmaking equipment from China's Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (AMEC) as they seek to reduce risks posed by potential tighter U.S. export controls affecting their operations in China, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The memory chipmakers began testing AMEC's etching equipment about two years ago, when uncertainty was growing over whether Washington would continue allowing them to import U.S. chipmaking tools into China, two of the sources said.

Samsung said it has not tested AMEC equipment for use at its China factory and had not considered doing so. SK Hynix also said it has not tested AMEC tools for use in China.

While the evaluations have not resulted in decisions on wider deployment, they allow the Shanghai-based company to gain validation from two of the world's largest chipmakers.

The discussions also highlight an unintended consequence of U.S. technology restrictions: measures aimed at limiting China's semiconductor industry could create opportunities for Chinese equipment suppliers operating in foreign-owned factories in China.

The sources declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. AMEC and the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security, which enforces export controls, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. Commerce Department granted Samsung and SK Hynix "validated end user" status in 2023, allowing them to import certain controlled U.S. equipment into their facilities in China without individual licenses. Washington revoked that authorization in 2025 before granting annual licenses covering equipment imports for 2026.

Even so, the companies remain concerned that future restrictions could extend beyond new equipment to the servicing, repair or replacement of Western tools already installed at their Chinese plants, the sources said.

As a result, they are keeping Chinese suppliers in reserve as a possible way to maintain and upgrade existing production lines rather than expand manufacturing capacity in China, the sources added.

Samsung operates a NAND flash memory plant in Xi'an, while SK Hynix has NAND facilities in Dalian and a DRAM plant in Wuxi. Their factories rely heavily on etching equipment supplied by U.S. companies including Applied Materials and Lam Research.

Chinese equipment makers have narrowed the technology gap with overseas rivals in areas such as etching, deposition, cleaning and planarization, while offering lower-cost alternatives, though any wider adoption would still face hurdles including lengthy qualification processes, intellectual property concerns and potential political pressure from Washington.