Memory Price Surge Boosts Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron

Memory prices are once again on the rise, with forecasts indicating significant quarter-on-quarter increases for both DRAM and NAND in early 2026. The trend is familiar, with hyperscalers and AI-server builders driving up demand, leading manufacturers to prioritize higher-margin server DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). This leaves PC and handset buyers scrambling for the remaining supply.

Memory price surge driven by AI capacity grabs

According to market watcher TrendForce, conventional DRAM contract prices are expected to surge by 55–60% in Q1 2026, while NAND flash contract prices are projected to increase by about 33–38% during the same period. Server DRAM prices are forecasted to climb by over 60% as US-based cloud service providers secure capacity and supplier inventories tighten.

The impact of these price hikes is already being felt in the performance and guidance of companies in the memory industry. Samsung is anticipated to report a significant year-on-year increase in quarterly operating profit due to stronger memory pricing. Competitors like SK hynix and Micron are also focusing on HBM and server memory as key profit drivers for the year.

What it means for PCs, phones, and “normal” SSDs

For OEMs not involved in the AI rush, the challenge lies in being outbid rather than a disappearance of demand. PC manufacturers and module houses typically rely on steady flows of commodity DRAM, but when supply is limited, they may be forced into higher-priced channels. This can result in difficult product decisions, such as offering smaller default RAM configurations, slower refresh cycles, and pricier upgrade options.

Handset manufacturers are facing a similar dilemma. Even with softer seasonal demand for smartphones, tight LPDDR supply can keep prices high, especially when cutting-edge process capacity is directed towards server components. On the storage front, enterprise SSD demand is closely linked to data center expansions, potentially squeezing out client SSD supply and maintaining elevated NAND prices.

Supply discipline is back in fashion

Following past boom-bust cycles in the industry, memory suppliers are now more inclined to manage output and prioritize margins. This has created a market where pricing can fluctuate rapidly, catching device makers off guard. The current "memory price surge" narrative is increasingly tied to structural allocation decisions, such as prioritizing HBM and server components, rather than temporary disruptions.

As previously highlighted by eeNews Europe during previous price surges in the memory market, up-cycles in the sector can be sudden when demand and supply planning are not aligned. For the latest insights on Q1 2026 pricing trends, refer to TrendForce’s 1Q26 contract-price outlook.