Samsung and SK Hynix upgrade China chip plants amid AI demand

Samsung Electronics SK Hynix NAND flash memory AI data centers semiconductor manufacturing

South Korean semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are upgrading their manufacturing facilities in China to produce more advanced NAND flash memory. These upgrades aim to meet the surging demand for AI data centers and counter rising competition from Chinese domestic rivals, such as Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC).

Samsung is working on a project codenamed “Monami” to convert its Xi’an plant to produce 286-layer V9 NAND by 2027. This facility currently accounts for approximately 40% of Samsung’s global NAND output. Meanwhile, SK Hynix is upgrading its Dalian plant to transition from 192-layer NAND to production of 240 layers or more.

The upgrades face geopolitical complexities due to U.S. export controls on advanced chip-making equipment. Both companies have stated they are coordinating closely with Washington to ensure compliance. While these restrictions have contributed to a loss of market share to YMTC, the South Korean firms are prioritizing technological parity with their domestic production lines to remain competitive in the global AI market.

Entities

China · Nvidia · SK Hynix · Samsung Electro-Mechanics · Samsung Electronics · United States · Yangtze Memory Technologies Co

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Samsung's 8LPU+ platform will use a “no EUV” route, utilizing existing DUV production lines. www.ithome.com
[● 3 SOURCES] SK Hynix is upgrading its Dalian plant to produce 240-layer or more NAND chips. newsbit.nl · www.cryptopolitan.com · www.webtekno.com
[● 2 SOURCES] YMTC held a 38.5% share of the Chinese NAND market in the second quarter of 2026. newsbit.nl · www.cryptopolitan.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Samsung Electro-Mechanics signed a KRW 360.5 billion agreement to supply memory substrates to a global customer in 2027. evertiq.com · www.koreaherald.com · www.theregister.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Nvidia plans to increase its substrate production capacity by 2.5x over the next three years. www.koreaherald.com · www.theregister.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Samsung and SK Hynix must seek annual U.S. licenses to install certain American equipment in China. newsbit.nl · srnnews.com · telegrafi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Samsung is upgrading its Xi’an plant to produce 286-layer V9 NAND by 2027. newsbit.nl · www.cryptopolitan.com · www.webtekno.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Samsung's Xi’an facility accounts for approximately 40% of its global NAND production. newsbit.nl · www.cryptopolitan.com