Industry officials say Samsung could potentially mitigate tariff risks by building memory chip fabrication facilities at its Taylor, Texas, site, which would offer greater predictability if the U.S. moves forward with steep import duties. However, Washington has yet to define clear criteria for tariff exemptions, and a proposed 100% levy on memory chips could put Samsung at a competitive disadvantage compared with U.S.-based rival Micron.
Even so, adjusting long-term investment plans would be difficult. U.S. semiconductor tariff policy remains unsettled, making it challenging for global chipmakers to pivot major manufacturing strategies in response to sudden political shifts. Samsung has declined to comment on whether it would consider revising its U.S. investment plans.
Additional obstacles include securing a skilled workforce and balancing national strategic interests, given the geopolitical importance of semiconductor manufacturing. Expanding memory production in the U.S. could also raise concerns about weakening South Korea’s domestic chip ecosystem.
Uncertainty extends to SK hynix as well. While the company is building a chip facility in Indiana and reportedly has space for further expansion, it remains unclear whether that project would qualify for tariff exemptions. To meet surging global demand, SK hynix has already begun construction on a large-scale memory chip cluster in Yongin, South Korea.
Industry officials note that although SK hynix may have room to add memory fabs in the U.S., policy unpredictability continues to complicate decision-making. With tariff rules still undefined, companies are being forced to evaluate multiple supply-chain scenarios. For now, executives agree that meaningful investment decisions will be difficult until there is greater regulatory clarity.
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/
Article: Samsung’s Texas plant emerges as buffer against possible US memory tariffs
Author: Nam Hyun-woo
Original Story: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/tech-science/20260119/samsungs-texas-plant-emerges-as-buffer-against-possible-us-memory-tariffs