SK hynix Seeks US Approval to Ship Equipment to China

South Korean memory chipmaker SK hynix is requesting approval from the US government to ship American chipmaking equipment to its facility in Dalian, China, according to sources familiar with the matter. The request is part of broader discussions related to the company's plans to build a factory in the United States.

SK hynix's US subsidiary, Solidigm, which produces NAND flash memory and solid-state drives, is considering establishing a NAND factory in the US. The company aims to utilize unused space at its Dalian plant and import additional equipment. One source suggested that increasing output in China could help fund the proposed US facility.

The move comes as the US encourages foreign chipmakers to expand manufacturing within the country and restricts the export of chip production equipment to China due to national security concerns. SK hynix has stated that equipment installation in the Mod B area of the Dalian plant is proceeding with US government authorization and oversight, and that it is not seeking to expand capacity there.

The US Department of Commerce has issued a license permitting a certain quantity of equipment shipments through 2026. However, a license for additional US equipment and technology for 2027 has not yet been granted, leaving SK hynix's future expansion plans contingent on US approval.