SK Hynix, Intel Explore First U.S. Memory Chip Production in Ohio
SK Hynix and Intel are discussing U.S. memory chip production in Ohio through leased factory space or a joint venture, but no deal is finalized yet.
Summary
SK Hynix is reportedly discussing manufacturing RAM in the U.S. for the first time at Intel’s planned Ohio factory, either by leasing space or through a joint venture that could include cloud service providers. On September 16, 2026, SK Hynix said it was exploring options but had finalized no plan and made no decision on either scenario. The prospective Ohio chip types remain unclear.
Surging AI data center demand for high bandwidth memory has already prompted SK Hynix to build a $3.8 billion advanced packaging and research facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, where mass production in 2029 would package South Korean DRAM wafers into HBM chips. Amid a worsening global shortage, the Trump administration in January floated broader semiconductor import tariffs and relief for domestic investors. In July, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won backed feasible U.S. factories alongside South Korea’s Honam region, while SK Hynix listed American depository receipts on Nasdaq to reach U.S. investors. Seoul says the choice belongs to SK Hynix, but strategic technology transfers could trigger government review. Intel sold its NAND flash memory business to SK Hynix for $9 billion in 2020.
Positives
- A potential Ohio agreement would give SK Hynix its first U.S. memory chip manufacturing operation.
- $3.8 billion is funding SK Hynix’s advanced AI chip packaging and research facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.
- Mass production scheduled for 2029 would package South Korean DRAM wafers into high bandwidth memory chips in Indiana.
- SK Hynix’s July Nasdaq listing broadened the South Korean chipmaker’s access to American investors.
- Cloud service providers could participate if SK Hynix and Intel choose the joint venture structure.
Risks & concerns
- SK Hynix had finalized no plan or arrangement as of September 16, 2026.
- The companies have not disclosed which memory chips a prospective Ohio operation would manufacture.
- Strategic chip technology transferred overseas could trigger a South Korean government review.
- Broader U.S. semiconductor import tariffs remain possible under the Trump administration’s January proposal.
- A worsening global chip shortage is increasing pressure to expand production before new facilities are ready.
