SK Group's Chey says SK Hynix open to joint production with Japan’s Kioxia: Asahi - KED Global

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won announced that SK Hynix is evaluating potential sites for memory chip manufacturing in Japan, reflecting the semiconductor industry's response to surging AI memory deman... Read original →

SK Hynix's potential investment in Japan signals a strategic pivot driven by surging demand for AI-memory chips, reshaping global semiconductor supply chains. This move strengthens its position in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and 3D NAND, while reducing reliance on key manufacturing hubs in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, China. Collaborating with Kioxia could offer synergies in EUV lithography and advanced packaging. However, geopolitical tensions and export controls are increasing compliance costs, especially amid restricted technology flows between the US, Japan, and South Korea. Competitors like Micron and Infineon may accelerate capacity expansion in Southeast Asia or Europe to capture market share. Over the next 12-24 months, memory chip supply chains will become more geographically diversified, with SK Hynix’s strategy reflecting a long-term response to supply chain fragility.