Seoul: Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has confirmed discussions about a semiconductor supply agreement with Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Musk responded to a comment on his X account, addressing concerns about Samsung Electronics' commitment to the deal. Musk assured users that he had a video call with Lee and Samsung's senior leadership to outline the specifics of their partnership. He emphasized that the collaboration would leverage the strengths of both companies to yield significant results.
In defense of Samsung's chipmaking capabilities, Musk praised both TSMC and Samsung as exceptional companies, expressing his honor in working with them. This statement came following Samsung Electronics' announcement of a 22.8 trillion-won (approximately US$16.5 billion) agreement to supply artificial intelligence chips to an undisclosed client. Musk later disclosed that Tesla is the partner involved in this significant contract.
Musk further elaborated that Samsung will produce Tesla's next-generation AI6 chip at its newly established semiconductor facility in Texas, underscoring the strategic importance of this development.
In related news, Samsung Chairman Lee has traveled to Washington, D.C., as discussions continue between South Korea and the U.S. regarding tariffs, with an imminent trade deadline on Friday. While the specific agenda of Lee's trip remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that he will engage in talks concerning global business cooperation and explore potential collaborations with major partners.