SK Hynix is seeking U.S. approval to install additional American chipmaking equipment at its facility in Dalian, China. [1, 3] The company has reportedly made approval a condition of proceeding with plans for a new NAND flash memory factory in the United States through its subsidiary, Solidigm. [4, 5]
The request comes as the U.S. government tightens export controls on semiconductor technology to China. It previously revoked exemptions that allowed SK Hynix to equip its Chinese factories without individual licenses. [1, 3, 4]
After news of the move and potential hurdles emerged, SK Hynix shares fell 11% in Seoul trading on Thursday. The decline reflected investor concerns about geopolitical risks and the company's expansion plans. [1, 6]