US threatens Samsung and SK Hynix with 100% tariffs over memory production localization

The US government has openly threatened drastic measures to force memory manufacturers to move production to the country, including potential 100% tariffs on imported DRAM.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said companies that do not localize memory manufacturing in the United States will either have to shift production domestically or face maximum import tariffs. The remarks were made during the groundbreaking ceremony for Micron’s new factory in New York. Major industry players such as Samsung and SK Hynix could be affected by the proposed measures.

Samsung has previously announced large investments in the US semiconductor sector but has not confirmed plans to build a DRAM manufacturing facility. SK Hynix is investing around $4 billion in a project in Indiana, although it is focused on R&D and advanced chip packaging rather than mass memory production. At present, Micron remains the only major company producing or planning to produce DRAM directly in the US.

According to WCCFtech, such tariffs could further strain the memory market, especially amid ongoing shortages and rising demand driven by the AI industry.