Sept 2 (Reuters) - Washington has revoked TSMC's

fast-track status for U.S. chip manufacturing

equipment exports to its main plant in China - a move that comes

days after revocations of the same privilege for South Korean

chipmakers.

Keen for China not to benefit too much from advanced

American technology, U.S. President Donald Trump's

administration has been re-examining export controls that it

thought were too relaxed under the Biden administration.

TSMC, SK Hynix ( HXSCF ) and Samsung Electronics ( SSNLF )

have, until now, benefited from exemptions to

sweeping restrictions that the U.S. has imposed on chip-related

exports to China.

The privilege known as validated end user status will end

December 31, TSMC said, meaning shipments of American chipmaking

tools to its plant in Nanjing after that date will require U.S.

export licenses.

The plant makes 16-nanometre and other mature node chips -

not TSMC's most advanced semiconductors. TSMC said in last

year's annual report that its Nanjing site generated about 2.4%

of overall revenue.

The world's largest contract chip manufacturer said it was

evaluating the situation and communicating with the U.S.

government, adding that it remains "committed to ensuring the

uninterrupted operations of TSMC Nanjing."

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs also said it will

continue to maintain close communication with the U.S. and with

TSMC "to monitor developments and provide necessary

assistance."

The Commerce Department said Friday that the U.S. planned to

grant license applications to allow foreign companies to operate

their existing facilities in China, but not to expand capacity

or upgrade technology.

While shares in SK Hynix ( HXSCF ) and Samsung, which have substantial

production facilities in China, sank after their exemptions were

revoked, TSMC shares were less affected, trading flat on

Wednesday morning.