SK Hynix is in exploratory talks with Intel about manufacturing memory chips in the US for the first time, according to Reuters sources. The Korean company could lease part of Intel's Ohio chip factory or form a joint venture with Intel and unnamed major cloud firms. This deal could help Intel improve its financial situation, with both companies' stocks rising after the news broke.

Intel pledged up to $100 billion for its Ohio facility in 2022, with production now pushed from 2025 to at least 2030. A potential hurdle is South Korea's stance on sensitive technologies like HBM or DRAM, which may be restricted under the Industrial Technology Protection Act.

SK Hynix is reviewing options to strengthen its memory business competitiveness amid rising customer and government pressure to supply more chips during the AI boom and global shortage. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has threatened 100% tariffs on South Korean companies unless they increase US production, making this deal a strategic move to avoid penalties.