SK Hynix in early talks with Intel for first US memory chip production

South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix is in early-stage, exploratory talks with Intel about manufacturing memory chips in the United States for the first time, according to people familiar with the discussions. The potential deal, which has not been finalized, could involve SK Hynix leasing part of Intel's long-planned chip fabrication complex in Ohio or forming a joint venture with Intel and major cloud computing companies seeking guaranteed domestic supplies. The discussions come as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on semiconductor companies to localize production in the U.S., citing an acute shortage of memory chips driven by investment in artificial intelligence and data centers. A successful agreement would mark a significant expansion of U.S. chipmaking capacity and could provide financial relief to Intel, which is part-owned by the U.S. government and has faced delays at its Ohio site. However, the potential deal faces significant hurdles.