According to the South Korean publication BusinessKorea, NVIDIA employs an unusual negotiation tactic with semiconductor suppliers, using so-called "preemptive pressure" to achieve more favorable contract terms.
The market for components for artificial intelligence systems is considered one of the most complex in the technology industry. Major manufacturers such as NVIDIA and AMD compete for key resources, including High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). For several years, this segment has remained a buyer's market: large customers seek to secure production capacity and obtain optimal prices.
According to journalists, an NVIDIA inspection team recently visited Samsung Electronics' production complex in Pyeongtaek, one of the company's most modern semiconductor centers, where, in particular, work is underway with HBM.
During the visit, the team conducted an internal audit, during which representatives of the American company demonstrated an unusually strict approach to checking technological processes. According to sources, engineers made extremely detailed comments and criticized even minor technical nuances.
It is noted that the validation requirements were significantly higher than during previous inspections.
According to the publication, such checks may be part of NVIDIA's negotiation strategy. By identifying even minor vulnerabilities in production, the company gains additional leverage before discussing contract costs.
The visit is believed to be related to negotiations on the supply of HBM4 memory for the mass production of the future Vera Rubin architecture. For Samsung Electronics, such a contract could be an important milestone, especially against the backdrop of the company's previously weak position in the HBM market.
Sources claim that similarly strict audits have previously taken place with other partners, including SK hynix and TSMC. For suppliers, this level of control is no longer a surprise.