Samsung, SK face new pressure to expand investment in US

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are facing renewed pressure to expand their semiconductor manufacturing footprint in the United States, after U.S.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly urged the two Korean memory chipmakers to build production facilities there.

Lutnick made the remarks Thursday (local time) during a concrete-pouring ceremony for Micron Technology's semiconductor fabrication plant under construction in Clay, New York.

His remarks came immediately after Micron unveiled plans to invest approximately $250 billion (377 trillion won) through 2035 to expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity, underscoring the U.S.

Donald Trump administration's push to strengthen domestic semiconductor production.

Speaking at the event, Lutnick said he has been holding discussions with both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix regarding their U.S. operations, although he declined to provide specific details.

The message is widely viewed as signaling Washington's desire for the two Korean companies to establish advanced memory wafer fabrication plants in the U.S., going beyond the investment plans ...