Samsung and SK hynix see limited hit from US data-centre curbs as chip demand outruns supply, sources say
Industry sources told Seoul Economic Daily that customers have not cancelled contracts or trimmed orders; Modo Energy estimates 11 GW of new US data-centre construction could halt if governors-elect follow through, about 10 GW of it in Texas.
Why it matters
The Kospi's 8% plunge was driven by fear that a Democratic Congress will slow AI data-centre construction. Industry sources told Seoul Economic Daily that long-term contracts and supply shortages keep demand for memory chips, including high-bandwidth memory, ahead of capacity. Modo Energy's estimate of 11 GW at risk, mostly in Texas, exceeds the 10 GW OpenAI targeted for Stargate, but it says that if projects relocate the net loss of US capacity by 2030 would be about 3 GW. The claims are anonymous and unconfirmed; watch the companies' order commentary and Texas policy.
Key facts
- Modo Energy (report of 5 Nov): about 11 GW of new US data-centre construction could be halted, roughly 10 GW of it in Texas
- 11 GW exceeds the 10 GW OpenAI set as its Stargate target
- If halted projects relocate, net loss of US capacity by 2030 would be about 3 GW (Modo)
- Industry sources: no cancelled contracts or trimmed orders from customers
- Samsung and SK hynix plan to press ahead with existing investment and production plans