Samsung and SK Hynix Surge Over 10% as Trump Iran Remarks Fuel Tech Stock Recovery

Key Takeaways

• Samsung and SK Hynix shares surged 10–13% Wednesday following significant March declines
• South Korea’s KOSPI index rallied more than 8%, bouncing back from a 19%+ monthly decline
• Optimism around a potential Middle East conflict resolution improved market sentiment
• The semiconductor giants had plunged 23–24% in March amid geopolitical concerns and AI memory chip demand uncertainty
• Overnight gains on Wall Street, spurred by President Trump’s Iran statements, provided momentum

Shares of Samsung Electronics surged 13% to reach 189,600 won during Wednesday’s trading session, while SK Hynix climbed approximately 11% to 893,000 won. The dramatic recovery followed a punishing March for both semiconductor manufacturers.

South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index jumped 8.4% to close at 5,478.70, with the semiconductor sector rebound providing substantial support. The index had tumbled more than 19% during March.

The two technology giants each lost approximately 23–24% of their value last month. Investor anxiety centered on the escalating Middle East situation, which threatened to increase manufacturing expenses and disrupt global supply networks.

Additional pressure emerged from questions surrounding sustained demand for memory semiconductors utilized in artificial intelligence applications. Google‘s introduction of an algorithm reportedly capable of reducing AI memory needs added to sector headwinds.

Speculation intensified that memory chip pricing could weaken after OpenAI implemented cost-cutting measures. The artificial intelligence company discontinued its video generation platform, Sora, as part of broader budget reductions.

Strategic OpenAI Partnership Under Spotlight

Toward the end of 2025, OpenAI entered into an agreement with Samsung and SK Hynix for the procurement of 900,000 DRAM wafers from the Korean manufacturers. This partnership had previously fueled investor enthusiasm for both companies.

Both semiconductor producers had enjoyed rising memory chip valuations throughout late 2025, supported by expectations that AI-driven demand would exceed available supply. March’s correction erased portions of those earlier advances.

Kiwoom Securities analyst Han Ji-young attributed Wednesday’s rally to value-oriented purchasing, noting that blue-chip stocks had declined sufficiently to entice investors back into the market.

“The stock market is highly likely to enter a recovery phase rather than experience further decline,” Han stated in client communications.

Peace Prospects in Middle East Boost Market Confidence

Market sentiment strengthened following President Trump’s Tuesday statement indicating the United States would withdraw from Iran within a two to three-week timeframe. The President delivered these remarks during a White House press availability.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated Tehran’s willingness to conclude hostilities, though he requested certain unspecified assurances.

These diplomatic developments triggered an overnight rally across U.S. markets, with the positive momentum extending into Asian trading sessions Wednesday.

Samsung shares concluded trading at 189,600 won, approximately $125.83 in U.S. dollar terms. SK Hynix finished at 893,000 won.

The KOSPI index settled at 5,478.70, representing an 8.4% single-day advance.

Despite Wednesday’s gains, both Samsung and SK Hynix continue trading substantially below their pre-March levels.

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