HomeSK Hynix in talks with Intel to build memory chips in US
SK Hynix, a leading South Korean memory chip manufacturer, is in talks with Intel about producing RAM chips in the United States for the first time, according to a Reuters report citing anonymous sources.
Reports suggest the two companies have explored several options, including SK Hynix leasing space at Intel’s proposed Ohio facility to manufacture the chips. They are also reportedly considering a joint venture that might involve cloud-service providers.
SK Hynix confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday that no agreements have been finalized. “SK Hynix is exploring various options to strengthen its global competitiveness, but no specific plans or arrangements have been finalized at this time,” the semiconductor company stated. “No decisions have been made regarding the two scenarios mentioned in the article.”
Already benefiting from surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI data centers, the Korean tech giant is constructing a $3.8 billion advanced packaging and research facility for AI chips in West Lafayette, Indiana. Mass production is scheduled to start in 2029, using DRAM wafers manufactured in South Korea and packaging them into HBM chips.
It is currently unclear which types of memory chips SK Hynix would produce in Ohio if the deal proceeds.
As global chip shortages intensify, the Trump administration aims to boost domestic production. In January, the White House announced it could impose broader tariffs on semiconductor imports while offering tariff relief to companies investing in U.S. manufacturing.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won expressed support for U.S. chip production in July, stating that the company should build factories in the U.S. if feasible, alongside those in South Korea’s Honam region. That same month, the chipmaker listed its American depository receipts on the Nasdaq, expanding its access to U.S. investors.
The potential partnership with Intel may face domestic scrutiny. While Seoul maintains that the decision rests with SK Hynix, any plan involving strategically important chip technology could trigger a government review under laws designed to prevent the transfer of sensitive technology abroad, Reuters reported.
Intel and SK Hynix have a prior business relationship: In 2020, Intel sold its NAND flash-memory business to SK Hynix for $9 billion.
Intel did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment outside of regular business hours.
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SK Hynix, a leading South Korean memory chip manufacturer, is in talks with Intel about producing RAM chips in the United States for the first time, according to a Reuters report citing anonymous sources.
Reports suggest the two companies have explored several options, including SK Hynix leasing space at Intel’s proposed Ohio facility to manufacture the chips. They are also reportedly considering a joint venture that might involve cloud-service providers.
SK Hynix confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday that no agreements have been finalized. “SK Hynix is exploring various options to strengthen its global competitiveness, but no specific plans or arrangements have been finalized at this time,” the semiconductor company stated. “No decisions have been made regarding the two scenarios mentioned in the article.”
Already benefiting from surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI data centers, the Korean tech giant is constructing a $3.8 billion advanced packaging and research facility for AI chips in West Lafayette, Indiana. Mass production is scheduled to start in 2029, using DRAM wafers manufactured in South Korea and packaging them into HBM chips.
It is currently unclear which types of memory chips SK Hynix would produce in Ohio if the deal proceeds.
As global chip shortages intensify, the Trump administration aims to boost domestic production. In January, the White House announced it could impose broader tariffs on semiconductor imports while offering tariff relief to companies investing in U.S. manufacturing.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won expressed support for U.S. chip production in July, stating that the company should build factories in the U.S. if feasible, alongside those in South Korea’s Honam region. That same month, the chipmaker listed its American depository receipts on the Nasdaq, expanding its access to U.S. investors.
The potential partnership with Intel may face domestic scrutiny. While Seoul maintains that the decision rests with SK Hynix, any plan involving strategically important chip technology could trigger a government review under laws designed to prevent the transfer of sensitive technology abroad, Reuters reported.
Intel and SK Hynix have a prior business relationship: In 2020, Intel sold its NAND flash-memory business to SK Hynix for $9 billion.
Intel did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment outside of regular business hours.
US investors to gain access to SK Hynix, another memory maker riding the AI boom
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