Reuters reports SK Hynix in talks with Intel on U.S. memory chip production

September 16, 2026 at 01:53 PM2 min

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SK Hynix is in talks with Intel to manufacture memory chips in the U.S. for the first time, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The discussions include leasing part of Intel's Ohio complex or forming a joint venture with cloud companies. Intel shares rose 5% and SK Hynix's Nasdaq-listed shares gained 3% in premarket trading.

Key Facts

SK Hynix is discussing with Intel the possibility of manufacturing memory chips in the U.S., Reuters reported on September 16, 2026.
One scenario involves SK Hynix leasing part of Intel's chipmaking complex in Ohio, while another involves forming a joint venture with Intel and major cloud companies.
Intel's Ohio complex was originally scheduled to begin mass production using Intel 18A technology in 2025, but construction was frozen and completion is now expected no earlier than 2030 or 2031.
Intel shares rose 5% and SK Hynix's Nasdaq-listed shares rose 3% in premarket trading following the Reuters report.
The South Korean government may oppose the deal due to the sensitivity of advanced memory technologies, and SK Hynix said nothing has been decided at this stage.

Negotiation Scenarios

SK Hynix is in exploratory talks with Intel to produce memory chips in the U.S. for the first time, according to Reuters. Under one scenario, SK Hynix would lease part of Intel's chipmaking facility in Ohio. Another scenario involves creating a joint venture with Intel and major cloud companies that want to secure memory chip supplies. SK Hynix could also explore other ways to structure the deal, and no decisions have been made, a source told Reuters.

Ohio Complex Status

Intel announced in 2022 plans to invest up to $100 billion in the Ohio complex, potentially the world's largest chip production site. The complex was originally slated to begin mass production using Intel 18A technology in 2025. Intel froze construction during a CEO transition and now expects to complete two factories no earlier than 2030 or 2031. Intel said work on preparing the Ohio site continues and declined to comment on speculation.

Market and Regulatory Response

Intel shares rose 5% and SK Hynix's Nasdaq-listed shares rose 3% in premarket trading after the Reuters report. The South Korean government may oppose the deal because advanced memory production falls under sensitive technologies requiring approval for overseas manufacturing. SK Hynix told Reuters it is considering various measures, including additional production bases, but nothing has been decided. SK Hynix is a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory used in Nvidia chips and other AI-related memory products.