Samsung Electronics Plans Record $82 Billion AI Chip Investment

Samsung Electronics plans to invest more than 110 trillion won, approximately $73.3 billion to $82 billion, in 2026 to strengthen its position in the artificial intelligence chip market. This marks the first time the company's annual investment has exceeded 100 trillion won, rising from 90.4 trillion won spent in 2025. The funds are earmarked for research, development, and new facilities, specifically targeting high-bandwidth memory to close the market share gap with rival SK Hynix Inc.

Manufacturing expansions include the Pyeongtaek and Yongin campuses in South Korea and the completion of a new foundry in Taylor, Texas, by the end of the year. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding to supply HBM4 chips to Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to support data center growth. Beyond semiconductors, the company is pursuing mergers and acquisitions in robotics, medical technology, automotive electronics, and air-conditioning systems, while planning 9.8 trillion won in regular dividends for 2026.

These strategic expansions occur alongside internal labor instability. Unionized workers plan a general strike from May 21 to June 7 over disputes regarding wage increases and performance-based bonuses. Protests are scheduled to take place near the residence of Chairman Lee Jae-yong.