According to the news outlet, the chipmaker is seeking U.S. approval to ship American-made semiconductor manufacturing equipment to its existing plant in Dalian to expand production and generate additional revenue to help fund its planned investment in the U.S. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce has yet to approve the request.
Its California-based subsidiary Solidigm is pursuing a plan to invest approximately US$45 billion in building two NAND flash memory plants in Marcy, New York, with total investment potentially reaching $100 billion over time.
Solidigm executives have reportedly held nearly 10 meetings with U.S. Commerce Department officials since late August in an effort to secure approval, but the request remains pending.
Reuters interpreted the delay in approval as exposing a dilemma for the Trump administration, which is seeking to restrict China's access to advanced semiconductor technology while encouraging foreign chipmakers to invest in U.S. manufacturing.
In a statement last week, Solidigm said it was still considering its options and had not made a final decision on where to build its next NAND memory facility. "Solidigm regularly evaluates strategic alternatives to best serve its customers and enhance its long-term competitiveness," it said.
"The company is currently exploring options for building a NAND memory fab at potential locations around the world. No decision regarding any specific course of action has been made," it added.
Approval for the shipments appears to be a key factor in determining the future of Solidigm's proposed investment in the U.S.
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