SK hynix, a South Korean memory chipmaker, is seeking approval from the US government to ship US chipmaking equipment to its Dalian plant in China, according to two people familiar with the matter. The request as part of talks tied to building a factory in the US.

Its US unit, Solidigm, which makes NAND flash memory and solid-state drives, is considering a US NAND factory and wants extra equipment for unused space in Dalian.

One source said higher output in China could help fund the proposed US plant. The push comes as Washington urges foreign chipmakers to expand manufacturing in the US and restricts chipmaking equipment exports to China over national security concerns.

SK hynix said equipment installation in Dalian’s Mod B area is proceeding in consultation with and under authorization from the US government, and that it is not seeking to expand capacity there.

The US Commerce Department issued a 2026 license that limits equipment quantities. One source said a license for additional US equipment and technology in 2027 has not yet been issued.

🔗 Source: Reuters

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