TLDR
- TSMC received a 2026 U.S. licence to import chipmaking equipment to its Nanjing plant in China.
- The licence replaces a previous exemption that expired on December 31, 2025, under updated U.S. export regulations.
- The Nanjing facility produces mature-node chips, which are not subject to U.S. advanced-node export restrictions.
- Samsung and SK Hynix also obtained similar U.S. licences to maintain equipment supply to their China-based fabs.
- TSMC clarified that the licence only covers its Nanjing fab and does not apply to its Shanghai operations.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) has received an annual licence from the U.S. government to import chip equipment to China. The licence allows continued shipments to its fabrication facility in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, throughout 2026. TSMC confirmed the approval ensures uninterrupted production and deliveries from the site.
New Licence Covers 2026 Equipment Supply to Nanjing
According to a report by CNBC, TSMC stated the licence permits export-controlled U.S. items to be shipped directly to the Nanjing plant without vendor-specific authorisations. The plant produces 16-nanometre and other mature-node chips that are not restricted under the current export controls. This decision helps maintain operations without disruption or production delays through the upcoming year.
The U.S. Department of Commerce granted the licence after reviewing compliance requirements for mature technology use. The company confirmed the licence applies only to the Nanjing site and not to any other facilities in China. Before the licence, TSMC operated under a validated end-user status that allowed broader access to U.S. chipmaking tools without extra approvals.
That exemption expired at the end of 2025, requiring firms like TSMC to submit new export licence applications for 2026. TSMC’s approval now enables stable supply chains for production equipment essential to its China operations. The company stated, “The licence ensures uninterrupted fab operations and product deliveries,” in its announcement to Reuters. TSMC added that the licence reduces administrative burdens for U.S.-based equipment vendors.
Samsung and SK Hynix Receive Similar U.S. Authorisation
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix also secured annual licences to import U.S. semiconductor tools to their China-based production lines. Both companies had previously used the same end-user exemption programme that expired along with TSMC’s arrangement. The new licence enables them to continue importing without delays from individual vendor restrictions.
The licence covers memory chip manufacturing equipment and allows for more predictable supply chain planning. Like TSMC, their approvals apply to specific plants and exclude advanced-node technologies restricted under U.S. policy. TSMC also operates a facility in Shanghai, which remains separate from the Nanjing plant covered by the new licence.
The company has not indicated whether additional licence requests are planned for other Chinese operations. TSMC clarified that the current approval only applies to the 2026 calendar year. It did not disclose whether further renewals will be required or pursued beyond this period. The new policy reflects updated U.S. export conditions that began after the exemption ended on December 31.
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