SK Hynix Weighs U.S. RAM Production With Intel at $3.8 Billion Indiana Buildout

3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Sep 16

SK Hynix is discussing making RAM chips in the U.S. with Intel, including leasing space at Intel’s planned Ohio factory or forming a joint venture that could include cloud providers.
Nothing has been finalized, SK Hynix said Wednesday, rejecting reports that either scenario had been decided while describing the talks only as part of a broader push to strengthen global competitiveness.
The move would extend SK Hynix’s U.S. footprint beyond its $3.8 billion Indiana advanced-packaging and R&D plant, where mass production of AI-focused HBM chips is expected to start in 2029.
Washington’s push to localize chip supply adds momentum: the White House has floated broader semiconductor import tariffs while offering relief to companies that invest in U.S. manufacturing.
Any Ohio deal could still face scrutiny in South Korea, where transfers involving strategically important chip technology can trigger a government review; Intel and SK Hynix last struck a major deal in 2020, when Intel sold its NAND business for $9 billion.