SK hynix is reportedly in talks with Intel Corp. regarding a potential deal that would bring the South Korean memory chipmaker's production to the United States for the first time. According to a report from Reuters, the discussions include several possible structures. One option involves SK hynix leasing part of Intel's planned semiconductor manufacturing complex in Ohio. Another possibility is the formation of a joint venture between the companies and major cloud providers seeking to secure memory chip supplies.
The talks are described as exploratory, and no decisions have been made. The potential agreement could help Intel fill capacity at its delayed Ohio project while providing SK hynix with a manufacturing foothold in the U.S. market.
Intel's Ohio expansion has faced significant delays. In 2022, the company unveiled plans to spend as much as $100 billion on a massive semiconductor manufacturing hub. However, the two factories in the initial phase are now expected to be completed in 2030 and 2031, rather than the originally targeted 2025.
SK hynix is a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, used in AI accelerators. The company also produces DRAM for servers, PCs, and smartphones, as well as NAND flash memory. The company stated it is reviewing options, including additional production bases, to strengthen its memory business, though it confirmed nothing has been decided.
Any plan involving advanced HBM or DRAM production could face scrutiny from South Korea, as these technologies are considered sensitive and certain investments involving "national core technology" require government review.
