SK Hynix Seeks U.S. Approval for China Chip Tools

Solidigm, SK Hynix's U.S. unit, is seeking U.S. export licenses for more American chipmaking equipment at its Dalian, China NAND plant. The bid targets unused Mod B space finished in 2023 after installation stalled in a memory downturn. Reuters sources say a proposed U.S. NAND factory, considered for upstate New York, hinges on that approval, with higher China output meant to help fund the U.S. plant. Solidigm is also reportedly considering an IPO as early as next year. SK Hynix told Reuters Mod B work "is being carried out in close consultation with, and with approval from, the U.S. government" and said "We are not pursuing a production capacity expansion." In September 2025 Commerce revoked broad authorizations for SK hynix and Samsung China plants, saying it would allow maintenance shipments but not expansion or upgrade exports. December 2025 brought annual 2026 shipment approval, per Yonhap; Reuters says Dalian quantities are limited and 2027 approval is not out. NAND prices have risen about sevenfold since mid-2023, per TechInsights. The extra licenses, U.S. factory, and IPO path remain unresolved.