South Korean semiconductor company SK Hynix is in exploratory discussions with Intel over a potential agreement that could lead to memory chips being manufactured in the United States for the first time, according to Reuters.
Reuters reported on September 16, citing three people familiar with the discussions, that the companies are considering different structures for a possible manufacturing arrangement.
One option being discussed would involve SK Hynix leasing part of Intel’s planned semiconductor facility in Ohio. Such an arrangement could give the South Korean chipmaker access to US manufacturing infrastructure without requiring it to build an entirely new facility.
Another possibility under consideration is a joint venture involving SK Hynix, Intel and major cloud computing companies. The cloud companies could participate as they seek to secure reliable supplies of memory chips, particularly amid growing demand from artificial intelligence systems.
However, no agreement has been finalized between the companies. The discussions remain exploratory, meaning the proposed arrangements could still change or fail to result in a completed deal.
Reuters also reported that it could not determine what type of memory SK Hynix would manufacture at the Ohio facility if an agreement is reached.
SK Hynix is one of the major global producers of memory semiconductors. Its product portfolio includes DRAM, NAND flash and high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, which is increasingly used in advanced artificial intelligence systems.
High-bandwidth memory has become particularly important for AI infrastructure because it is used alongside powerful computing processors in systems designed to handle large amounts of data.
A potential US manufacturing arrangement would therefore come as the semiconductor industry faces increasing demand for advanced memory products. AI development has significantly increased the importance of memory technology used in data centers and high-performance computing.
For Intel, cooperation with another major semiconductor company could potentially involve its planned Ohio manufacturing infrastructure. For SK Hynix, a US production presence could expand its manufacturing footprint beyond its existing operations.
The discussions also come as semiconductor companies continue to evaluate manufacturing locations and supply-chain strategies. Establishing or expanding production in the United States can involve major infrastructure, investment and technology considerations.
At this stage, however, the precise structure of any potential partnership remains unclear. The companies have not finalized an agreement, and there is no confirmed timeline for whether SK Hynix would begin manufacturing memory chips in Ohio.
If the discussions eventually result in a deal, it could mark a significant development for SK Hynix, potentially making the United States a new manufacturing location for its memory semiconductor products.
