The U.S. government granted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) a one-year license to import American chipmaking equipment. TSMC confirmed the approval on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for its facility in Nanjing, China. This license ensures the plant's operations can continue without disruption.
The new authorization became necessary after the previous exemption, known as Validated End-User (VEU) status, expired on December 31, 2025.
The Nanjing facility focuses on mature-node chips, including 16nm technology, rather than TSMC's most advanced products. The license allows the plant to maintain uninterrupted fabrication and product deliveries. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have received similar annual licenses for their China operations.