Chosunbiz reported that rising orders have pushed Samsung Electronics' 4-nanometer foundry lines close to full use, a shift that could help the chipmaker cover substantial factory costs.
The outlet did not give a utilization percentage. It also reported that Samsung is seeking additional customers for its 5-nanometer process.
Samsung had pointed to stronger foundry results in its July second-quarter disclosure. The company said orders from U.S. customers and demand for base dies used in high-bandwidth memory had improved earnings before incentive-related provisions. It also said it planned to expand sales of 4-nanometer products in the second half of 2026.
Chip fabrication plants carry substantial fixed costs, Chosunbiz reported. Higher use of existing lines can help the foundry business cover those costs, making the reported increase in 4-nanometer orders significant for Samsung's earnings. The report did not specify how close the lines are to full use.
According to Chosunbiz, Samsung's 4-nanometer process makes chips for smartphones, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The outlet said certain AI inference chips and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) cost less to manufacture using 4- or 5-nanometer processes than the newest processes. That cost difference gives customers a reason to consider those processes for suitable designs.
At 2 nanometers, Samsung said it began mass production of first-generation products in the fourth quarter of 2025. Chosunbiz reported that some contract talks with major technology companies are progressing more slowly than initially expected. The production announcement does not establish when contracts arising from those talks might be signed.
Samsung's third-quarter results call is scheduled for 9 p.m. EDT Oct. 28 (1 a.m. UTC Oct. 29).
