The global memory market is facing a severe and prolonged shortage. Industry reports indicate that DDR4 and DDR5 memory prices have become "completely out of control" and are predicted to remain in a state of severe shortage until at least Q4 2027. This crisis is a complex result of multiple factors converging.
A primary driver is the strategic shift by major DRAM manufacturers like Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung. As the explosive growth of AI data centers creates massive demand, these companies are prioritizing production for the more profitable server and data center market. This shift directly squeezes the supply available for the consumer market, including PCs and laptops. This situation is compounded by opportunistic price speculation, creating a "perfect storm" of scarcity and high prices.
Industry executives, including Team Group's General Manager, have confirmed that the entire supply chain is at full capacity. The shortage is widespread, affecting not only DDR4/DDR5 but also LPDDR5, GDDR6, and the emerging GDDR7. Furthermore, a surge in demand for NAND flash for cold data storage in data centers is also tightening supply.
ICgoodFind's Insight
The memory shortage has evolved into a structural issue driven by high-margin enterprise demand. A swift return to pre-crisis pricing and availability is unlikely, requiring consumers and businesses to plan for sustained constraints in the memory supply chain.
