Key facts
- SK Hynix seeks U.S. approval to export chipmaking equipment to China.
- This is a condition for building a new U.S. NAND factory.
- The Dalian facility uses tools from U.S. firms like Lam Research, Applied Materials, and KLA.
- Expanded China production would help fund the U.S. facility.
- Solidigm is also considering an IPO as early as next year.
- NAND chip prices are expected to rise 15% to 20% in the fourth quarter.
SK Hynix's U.S. unit, Solidigm, is seeking approval from Washington to export U.S. chipmaking equipment to its Dalian, China facility, a condition for building a new NAND flash memory chip factory in the United States, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The company aims to increase production at its Dalian site, which utilizes tools from major U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturers, to help fund the planned U.S. NAND factory. This comes as the global memory chip market experiences a shortage and rising prices, with NAND prices expected to increase 15% to 20% in the fourth quarter. Solidigm is also reportedly considering an initial public offering as early as next year to help finance its U.S. factory.