Producers of memory chips are projected to satisfy only 60 percent of demand by the conclusion of 2027.
Producers of memory chips are projected to satisfy only 60 percent of demand by the conclusion of 2027.
As reported by Nikkei Asia, while suppliers are increasing DRAM output, manufacturers are only anticipated to fulfill 60 percent of demand by 2027’s end. The chairman of SK Group indicated that these shortages might persist until 2030.
The leading memory producers — Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron — are actively working on expanding their manufacturing capacity, but barely any of it will be operational before at least 2027, if not until 2028. SK inaugurated a fab in Cheongju in February, but that marks the sole production increase among the trio for 2026.
Nikkei asserts that there needs to be a 12 percent annual increase in production during 2026 and 2027 to satisfy demand. However, Counterpoint Research indicates that only a 7.5 percent increase is being planned.
The new facilities will primarily concentrate on creating high-bandwidth memory (HBM), utilized in AI data centers. Given that these companies are already prioritizing HBM over typical DRAM used in computers and smartphones, it remains uncertain how effectively these new fabs will alleviate the pricing pressures experienced by consumer electronics. Everything from smartphones and laptops to VR headsets and portable gaming devices have experienced price hikes due to the RAM deficit.
