Report: SK hynix in talks with Intel about deal to make memory chips in US
At least two potential scenarios are being discussed: SK hynix would lease part of Intel’s chipmaking facility in Ohio, or form a venture with Intel and cloud firms looking for a secure memory chip supply, according to Reuters.
South Korean company SK hynix is in talks with Intel about a deal that would see it manufacture memory chips on US soil for the first time, according to Reuters.
At least two potential scenarios are being discussed: SK hynix would lease part of Intel’s chipmaking facility in Ohio, or form a venture with Intel and cloud firms looking for a secure memory chip supply, sources told Reuters.
The talks are said to be exploratory so far and no final decision has been taken.
The report says that any such potential agreement could run into opposition from the South Korean government.
SK hynix is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of memory chips, after Samsung. Its product line includes DRAM, which provides the short-term working memory in computers and servers, and NAND flash, which stores data without requiring power.
SK hynix said in a statement to Reuters that while it is reviewing various measures to strengthen the competitiveness of its memory business “no matters have been determined at this stage.”
Howard Lutnick, the US Commerce Secretary, has threatened to impose up to 100% tariffs on South Korean and Taiwanese companies unless they commit to ramping up production on US soil.
