SK Hynix in talks with Intel to make memory chips in US

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

SK Hynix is in early talks with Intel to potentially manufacture memory chips in the United States, possibly by leasing space at Intel’s Ohio fabrication facility or forming partnerships with cloud service providers. This move could support U.S. efforts to boost domestic semiconductor production amid rising demand, though it faces regulatory scrutiny from South Korea over sensitive technology transfers.

SK Hynix is engaged in preliminary discussions with Intel regarding the possibility of manufacturing memory chips in the United States for the first time, according to individuals familiar with the talks. The South Korean semiconductor company is exploring options that include leasing part of Intel’s planned chip fabrication facility in Ohio or potentially partnering with Intel and major cloud service providers seeking to secure stable memory chip supplies.

A collaboration of this nature would provide considerable relief to Intel, which has faced challenges recently, while aligning with efforts by the U.S. government to encourage domestic semiconductor production amid rising demand driven by artificial intelligence development and expanded data center infrastructure.

The talks are described as exploratory, with no firm agreements reached to date. Sources close to the matter noted that SK Hynix could pursue various deal structures or alternative approaches. The exact types of memory chips that SK Hynix might produce in the United States remain unclear. The company is known for its range of products, including dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) used in servers, personal computers, and smartphones; NAND flash memory, which provides long-term storage; and high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is critical in AI processing applications.

However, potential regulatory and political challenges loom, particularly from the South Korean government, which views advanced memory technologies like HBM and DRAM as sensitive national assets. Under South Korea’s Industrial Technology Protection Act, any transfer or production involving core national technologies abroad could be subject to governmental review. A representative from South Korea’s trade ministry emphasized that while any production decision ultimately rests with SK Hynix, proposals involving strategic technologies would require regulatory scrutiny.

SK Hynix issued statements clarifying that it is assessing multiple options to enhance its memory business competitiveness but that no decisions have been finalized. Additionally, the company said it had not formalized any partnership or agreed to establish chip manufacturing in the United States.

Intel declined to comment on the specifics of the discussions, labeling them as speculation but reaffirmed its ongoing investment in the Ohio facility. Following the news, Intel’s shares increased by 5.5 percent at market open, while SK Hynix’s stock rose 4.1 percent in Seoul.

The U.S. Commerce Department did not respond to requests for comment on the potential arrangement as discussions continue.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.