Samsung Electronics, a key player in the global semiconductor industry, is recalibrating its strategic priorities with a significant announcement regarding its production line construction. The company has decided to postpone the development of the second and fourth phases of the P4 factory, as well as the P5 factory, in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, to 2026. This strategic adjustment indicates that Samsung will prioritize the expansion of its memory production lines over foundry services, given the challenges in acquiring foundry customers.

Initially, Samsung had planned to build both memory and foundry production lines at the P4 factory in a phased manner. However, due to difficulties in securing foundry clients, the company has opted to adjust its strategy. While the first phase of the P4 line is set to commence production soon and the third phase is under construction, the development of the second and fourth phases has been put on hold.

The deceleration of Samsung's construction efforts in Pyeongtaek contrasts with the accelerated focus on its Taylor, Texas facility in the United States. The Taylor factory, which began construction in the first half of 2022, is expected to commence operations by 2026 with a total investment of approximately $17 billion. Samsung has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce and is set to receive a subsidy of $6.4 billion under the CHIPS Act.

This strategic pivot by Samsung underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its position in the memory semiconductor market while also expanding its footprint in the United States, aligning with the global semiconductor industry's evolving landscape and market demands.