South Korean chipmakers secure US$950 billion supply deals with US tech firms

South Korea's leading semiconductor companies have locked in supply agreements worth a combined US$950 billion with major US technology firms, according to industry reports. The multi-year deals, which cover memory chips and other components, are among the largest ever in the sector. The agreements ensure a stable supply of critical chips for US companies racing to expand artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-center operations. For South Korea, the deals represent a huge boost to its export-driven economy and reinforce its dominance in memory-chip manufacturing. The pact also tightens the technology alliance between Seoul and Washington at a time when global supply chains are under strain from geopolitical tensions. Analysts say the move could reshape the competitive landscape, potentially influencing prices and availability for other buyers. For Malaysia, a key node in the global semiconductor supply chain, the deal may increase overall chip volumes flowing through assembly and testing facilities, though it could also shift bargaining power toward larger producers. The financial scale of the agreement underscores the growing reliance of US tech giants on a handful of Asian suppliers.