US revokes TSMC's fast-track China export status as controls tighten

The US has revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's authorization to ship key equipment to its main China facility, the chip manufacturer said on Tuesday.

The change removes a fast-track export privilege known as Validated End User (VEU) status, effective December 31, meaning future shipments of US-origin chipmaking tools to TSMC's Nanjing site will require individual licenses.

The US has steadily tightened export controls to curb China's access to advanced semiconductors and chipmaking tools, expanding licensing requirements and revoking waivers for some foreign-owned China chip facilities.


VEU status lets approved China facilities receive specified US-origin tools and tech without applying for individual licenses.

Losing this status means each shipment would now need a license, slowing deliveries and making capacity expansions or technology upgrades more difficult.

The US Department of Commerce did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Similar waivers for Samsung and SK Hynix's China plants are set to lapse in about four months, as Washington tightens controls even on older-generation chip production.