Intel and SK Hynix Shares Rise Amid Reports of U.S. Memory Chip Manufacturing Talks
SK Hynix is reportedly in talks with Intel to manufacture memory chips at a U.S.-based facility for the first time, according to Reuters. The news sent shares of both companies higher during premarket trading, with Intel up 3.2% and SK Hynix's Nasdaq-listed shares rising by 2.6%. Under one proposed scenario, SK Hynix could lease part of Intel’s Ohio chipmaking facility or form a joint venture involving major cloud firms. If finalized, the deal would represent a significant opportunity for Intel to expand its foundry business and attract high-profile clients like SK Hynix. It also aligns with U.S. efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. However, any agreement could face resistance from South Korea due to concerns over sensitive technology transfer. The discussions remain exploratory at this stage. SK Hynix is a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), essential for AI and data center applications. Its U.S.-listed shares have surged 400% year-to-date, driven by strong demand from the AI boom.
Topics: foundry business manufacturing partnership semiconductors U.S. chip policy