Samsung considers shifting memory chip operations to Vietnam

Samsung Electronics is reportedly considering shifting parts of its memory chip packaging and testing operations for standard DRAM and NAND flash from its Cheonan and Onyang facilities in South Korea to Vietnam. This strategic move aims to free up production capacity in South Korea to focus on high-value High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips, which are essential for the growing artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

Vietnam is already a critical hub for Samsung, with Bac Ninh serving as a major manufacturing center since 2008. Bac Ninh is projected to be Vietnam’s largest exporter in 2025, with an estimated turnover of approximately $93 billion. Additionally, Samsung is constructing a $1.5 billion semiconductor testing plant in Thai Nguyen province, expected to be operational by November 2027.

Parallel to these industrial shifts, there are discussions regarding the administrative status of Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces. If approved, they would become centrally controlled cities, granting them greater access to national resources for infrastructure and economic development, further strengthening their roles as strategic national assets.