SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won announced that SK Hynix is considering a deeper partnership with Kioxia. The proposal includes the potential for a joint semiconductor plant in Japan.
Cooperation may extend to joint research and development and supply chain coordination. SK Hynix aims to strengthen its position in the NAND flash memory market against industry leader Samsung Electronics.
Chey warned that SK Hynix could exit its investment in Kioxia if a stronger business collaboration fails to materialize.
SK Hynix currently ranks as the second-largest player in the NAND market. Kioxia holds the third-largest position. A combined coalition would hold a larger market share than Samsung.