US opens AI export program to allies, Korean chipmakers weigh options

Apr 17, 2026, 10:36 am

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Samsung Electronics’ recently unveiled HBM4E. /Samsung Electronics

South Korean memory chipmakers including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix may gain access to the U.S. government’s proposed “Made-in-America AI exports” initiative, opening new opportunities for expanding overseas sales.

The move is widely seen as reflecting earlier submissions to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which argued that participation by allied companies would strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. AI stack and support national security goals.

According to the Federal Register on April 16, the Commerce Department said foreign companies can join the “full-stack American AI export program” consortium, provided they meet national security requirements.

To benefit, companies must be designated as a National Champion Enterprise (NCE). This status is granted to foreign firms that deliver high-value products or services across hardware, infrastructure, AI models, and systems while contributing to U.S. national interests.

However, there are strict conditions. At least 51% of the total value must be U.S.-origin, and companies must disclose any sourcing of products or services from entities based in “countries of concern,” including China.

As a result, Samsung and SK hynix may face strategic constraints regarding their operations in China if they seek to fully capitalize on the opportunity.

Samsung, in a submission last December, emphasized the complexity of the AI hardware layer—from AI semiconductors to networks and edge devices—arguing that a fully independent U.S. supply chain would be difficult to achieve in the short term.

Similarly, SK hynix highlighted the importance of allied participation in critical areas such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), advanced packaging, and materials, cautioning against rigid consortium structures that could undermine competitiveness.

South Korea and the United States previously signed a bilateral agreement in October last year to promote AI exports across the full stack—including hardware, models, software, applications, and standards—further reinforcing cooperation in advanced technologies.

#Samsung Electronics #SK hynix #US AI exports #AI full stack #NCE