Major tech companies have begun offering to directly invest in SK hynix's new chip production lines and bankroll purchases of advanced manufacturing equipment, Reuters has reported, in what sources described as an unprecedented escalation of efforts to secure memory supply during a global shortage. SK is weighing the proposals cautiously, concerned that accepting could leave it beholden to individual buyers.

The offers go well beyond standard long-term supply agreements. Some customers have proposed funding dedicated memory production lines at SK hynix's facilities, according to people familiar with the discussions who spoke to Reuters, while others have offered to cover the cost of ASML EUV lithography machines, which are used to pattern circuits on silicon wafers and individually cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

One proposal targeted the first phase of SK hynix's upcoming Yongin DRAM fab in South Korea. SK told Reuters that it’s “comprehensively reviewing various approaches and structural alternatives that differ from conventional long-term agreements," but declined to delve into the specifics. The company, now Asia's third most valuable by market cap behind TSMC and Samsung, has seen its share price rise 154% this year.

Samsung told Reuters that its recently signed long-term agreements with customers are "binding," though it didn’t elaborate. Suppliers are also being careful about how they distribute limited capacity, with one source telling Reuters they want to avoid the appearance of favoring specific customers during the AI buildout.

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