The key facts

  • Solidigm is seeking US approval to export equipment to SK Hynix's Dalian plant to increase NAND output
  • The condition cited is continuing construction of a NAND fab in the US, with upstate New York under consideration
  • TrendForce forecasts NAND prices to rise 15–20% in the fourth quarter; Solidigm's IPO is planned for 2027

Equipment approval traded for a US fab

According to Reuters, citing anonymous sources, Solidigm — SK Hynix's flash memory unit — is seeking approval from US authorities to supply American chipmaking equipment to the plant in Dalian (China). The condition cited is continuing construction of a semiconductor fab in the US. Solidigm, as reported, plans to build a NAND memory fab in America and is considering upstate New York as a potential site.

Why equipment is needed in Dalian

Reuters sources report that Solidigm wants to install additional equipment on unused space at SK Hynix's Dalian plant to increase NAND chip production. NAND memory is used in solid-state drives — from laptops and smartphones to AI data centers. Component shortages amid growing demand from AI infrastructure have driven up prices for data center components, including high-speed memory and SSDs. According to TrendForce's forecast, NAND prices will rise 15–20% in the fourth quarter.

SK Hynix's position

SK Hynix told TechCrunch that it does not seek to expand the capacity of the Dalian Mod B facility, completed in 2023. According to the company, equipment installation is being carried out in consultation with the US government and under its authorization.

Context of export restrictions

Washington imposed sweeping restrictions on exports of advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China in October 2022, citing national security, and tightened the rules in 2023. In September 2025, the Trump administration revoked special export exceptions for a number of SK Hynix, Samsung and Intel facilities in China. Since then, the US has issued Samsung and SK Hynix annual licenses to supply equipment to their Chinese plants. The US is also pushing foreign chipmakers to build capacity in America: in July, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he wants Samsung and SK Hynix to build fabs in the country and is negotiating with both companies.

Solidigm's IPO plans

According to Reuters sources, Solidigm is preparing for an IPO in the US in 2027, which could raise about $10 billion at a valuation of up to $100 billion.