Intel and SK Hynix in talks for U.S. memory chip manufacturing
Intel and SK Hynix are reportedly in exploratory discussions to manufacture memory chips in the United States, a move that sent both companies' shares higher in premarket trading. According to Reuters, potential structures include SK Hynix leasing part of Intel’s Ohio facility or forming a joint venture with major cloud providers. While no final decision has been made, the talks align with Intel…
Key points
- Intel and SK Hynix are discussing U.S. memory chip manufacturing, with Intel shares rising 5% on the news.
- Potential deal structures include SK Hynix leasing Intel's Ohio facility or forming a joint venture with cloud firms.
- South Korean government opposition is a risk due to the sensitivity of high-bandwidth memory technologies.
SK Hynix is a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component for AI accelerators like those from Nvidia. The company has seen significant financial growth, with its South Korea-listed stock rising 400% over the past year due to AI-driven demand and memory shortages. However, the deal faces potential hurdles, as the South Korean government may oppose the transfer of sensitive memory chip technologies to the U.S. The partnership would mark a significant shift in the global semiconductor supply chain, potentially reducing reliance on Asian manufacturing for advanced AI hardware.
The story so far
4 episodes →- Intel and SK Hynix in talks for U.S. memory chip manufacturing this story
Intel, SK Hynix shares jump on report they're discussing U.S. memory chip manufacturing
CNBC Technology · 16 September 2026
SK Hynix is in talks with Intel to manufacture its memory chips in the U.S. for the first time, Reuters reported Wednesday, sending shares of both companies higher in premarket trading.
Intel rose 5% while SK Hynix's Nasdaq-listed shares were 3% higher.
Under one scenario, SK Hynix would lease part of Intel's chipmaking facility in Ohio, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Intel and SK Hynix could also form a joint venture with Intel and major cloud firms, Reuters said.
SK Hynix could also look at other ways to structure the deal, the news agency reported. The talks are exploratory, and no decisions have been made, one of the sources told Reuters.
Intel and SK Hynix did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the report.
If a deal is struck, it would be a big win for Intel, which has been looking to gain marquee customers for its manufacturing, or foundry business, which is a key pillar of CEO Lip-Bu Tan's strategy. The arrangement could also advance the U.S. government's efforts to bring more semiconductor manufacturing to America's shores.
SK Hynix is one of the world's leading suppliers of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key component of Nvidia's chips. It also produces other types of memory chips that are crucial for AI applications.
A deal between Intel and SK Hynix to manufacture advanced memory like HBM could face opposition from the South Korean government because the technologies are considered sensitive, Reuters reported, citing three sources.
SK Hynix, which listed its American depository receipts on the Nasdaq in July, has been a big beneficiary of the AI boom. The rush to build data centers has created a shortage of memory chips, sharply driving up prices and enabling SK Hynix and its rival Samsung to rake in huge profits.
SK Hynix's South Korea-listed stock is up 400% over the last year.
This text was published by CNBC Technology and written by Arjun Kharpal. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
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