SK hynix, the world's second-largest DRAM maker, is in early discussions with Intel about producing memory chips inside the United States for the first time, according to reports from Reuters, CNBC and TechCrunch. Shares of both companies jumped on September 16, 2026, on news that the Korean giant is weighing US HBM and DDR5 output at Intel's American fabs — a shift that could reshape the AI memory supply chain.
Why the two companies would team up
SK hynix is the leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory to Nvidia's data-center accelerators, but its wafers today start in Korea. Intel, meanwhile, has empty fab capacity in Arizona and Oregon after its ill-timed leading-edge push. A joint venture — or a foundry-style arrangement with SK hynix as the customer — would put HBM and next-generation DDR5 capacity onshore, while giving Intel a much-needed anchor tenant for its Intel Foundry Services business.
Not confirmed, but not denied either
SK hynix issued a "fact-check" statement saying "no plans have been confirmed regarding the reported talks", but stopped short of denying the discussions outright. Intel declined to comment. Analysts at Citi and Bernstein said the report is consistent with earlier signals from Washington that HBM production could be added to the CHIPS Act award roster.
Ripple effects for Micron and Samsung
If a deal lands, Micron's US-only HBM lead evaporates and Samsung's American memory ambitions get complicated. It would also fit the pattern of Asian chipmakers taking equity in US foundries after the Anderon $1B CHIPS Act award and the widening set of India-linked equipment pledges the industry made this week.
Reporting based on coverage from Reuters, CNBC, TechCrunch and SK hynix's newsroom.