Highlights
- Memory makers may meet only 60% of demand by 2027.
- SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron produce over 90% of global memory chips.
- Memory costs could rise from under 10% to 30% of device costs.
A global memory-chip shortage is deepening as artificial intelligence (AI) companies absorb production capacity. Consumer electronics and industrial buyers are facing higher costs and limited supply. Industry estimates cited by Nikkei Asia say manufacturers may meet only 60% of demand by the end of 2027. Against that backdrop, SK Group Chairman, Chey Tae-won, has said shortages could extend until 2030.
The market is heavily concentrated for now.
SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron produce more than 90% of the world’s memory chips, according to reports. However, most planned new fabrication capacity will not arrive until 2027 or 2028.
SK Hynix’s Cheongju facility, opened in February, is the only notable production increase among the three for 2026.
Counterpoint Research reported output would need to rise 12% annually in 2026 and 2027 to balance demand. However, current plans point to only 7.5% growth, leaving a clear shortfall.
RAM Shortage Raises Prices for Phones, Laptops, and Devices
Much of the new capacity is being directed toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a premium product used in AI data centers. As a result, expansion for general-purpose DRAM used in laptops, VR headsets, phones, and gaming handhelds remains limited. This limits immediate relief for mainstream electronics.
Industry research said older memory used in automobile electronics and telecom equipment faces a separate squeeze as producers move away from legacy products. Research director, MS Hwang, said buyers need to secure allocations immediately. He added that some manufacturers are already selling capacity for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Hwang also stated memory chips could rise from under 10% to as much as 30% of total device costs. On pricing beyond mid-2027, he pointed out that visibility remains limited. As AI groups continue securing supply, he added, pricing pressure may have no clear ceiling.
The shortage now risks becoming a long-term cost issue across both consumer hardware and data-center expansion.
