Samsung Electronics is reportedly close to securing its first major customer for its two nanometer foundry process in Qualcomm, as the Korean giant makes overtures to US sales execs in its competition with TSMC.

According to a report from Business Post, Qualcomm is conducting mass production tests for several chips using 2nm technology from Samsung. The US semiconductor player is reportedly testing these chips not just for smartphones but also for supercomputers and automotive applications.

The Korean Economic Daily, meanwhile, reports that Samsung recently poached a sales executive from TSMC and is now tempting staff in the US with $300,000 pay packets. The company is expecting to enter mass production next year on American soil with a new plant in Taylor, Texas.

Samsung has been struggling for a while in the semiconductor business, and recent advancements by TSMC in next-gen chips have only added extra pressure, with 2nm chips expected to be manufactured by the Taiwanese leader in 2026.

In between the Qualcomm news and US hiring updates, Samsung Electronics is bolstering its US operations in the wake of China sanctions; US lawmakers are also considering plans to revoke waivers on Samsung and others on shipping US chip equipment to fabs in China.