Is Samsung Further Tying Itself to Musk?

①Samsung Electronics has signed a $16.5 billion AI6 chip order with Tesla, and there are reports that the company may also be seeking a custom chip order from xAI; ②Samsung Electronics is said to have already produced sample chips for AI6 ahead of schedule at its Korean factory, though the mass production timeline remains uncertain; ③The success of the AI6 chip could pave the way for Samsung to secure orders from xAI, and the market currently has significant confidence in Samsung.

According to industry sources, after securing the AI6 chip order from Tesla, a company owned by Musk, Samsung Electronics is now in discussions with xAI, another Musk-owned company, regarding potential cooperation on custom AI chips.

Samsung Electronics has recently shown strong momentum in the chip industry, thanks to its $16.5 billion chip deal with Tesla, which signifies external customer recognition and attention.

At the same time, Samsung is seeking a revival of its foundry business, including increasing production capacity for its 2-nanometer process. It is reported that Samsung has been steadily advancing its SF2 technology and plans to introduce the 2-nanometer process to its Taylor factory in the U.S. in the coming years, demonstrating its willingness to produce cutting-edge technology in the United States. This could be particularly appealing to U.S. companies under the Trump administration’s plan to bring manufacturing back to America.

On the other hand, Samsung Electronics has made concessions in terms of control in its cooperation with Tesla, such as allowing Musk to be involved in the chip production process, which is crucial for a "business strongman" like Musk.