SK Hynix Inc. (000660.KS) is discussing a potential arrangement with Intel Corp. (INTC) that could lead to the South Korean chipmaker producing memory semiconductors in the US for the first time, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing three people familiar with the talks.
Reuters reported that one option under consideration would have SK Hynix lease part of Intel's planned semiconductor facility in Ohio, while another could involve a joint venture between the companies and major cloud providers seeking to secure memory supplies.
The discussions remain exploratory, and no agreement has been reached, according to Reuters. The report said it was not clear what types of memory chips SK Hynix could manufacture in Ohio if a deal is completed.
SK Hynix told Reuters that it is considering additional production locations but said no decision has been made. Intel declined to comment on the reported discussions while saying it continues to invest in preparing its Ohio site, according to Reuters.
Reuters reported that potential production of advanced memory, including high-bandwidth memory and DRAM, could face review by South Korean authorities because the technologies may be classified as sensitive.
Intel's Ohio project has faced delays, with production at its two planned plants now expected to begin in 2030 and 2031, respectively, Reuters reported.
The report said SK Hynix currently has a chip-packaging facility under construction in Indiana but does not yet manufacture chips in the US.