RAM shortages can last for years

according to Nikki AsiaEven as suppliers ramp up DRAM production, manufacturers are expected to meet only 60 percent of demand by the end of 2027. The SK Group Chairman even said the shortage could last until 2030.

The world’s largest memory makers – Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron – All are adding new manufacturing capacity, but almost none will be operational until at least 2027, if not 2028. SK opened an impressive factory in Cheongju in February, but this is the only production increase among the three for 2026.

Nikki It says production will need to increase by 12 percent annually in 2026 and 2027 to meet demand. But according to Counterpoint ResearchAn increase of only 7.5 percent is planned.

The new facilities will focus primarily on producing high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is used in artificial intelligence data centers. With companies already prioritizing HBM over general-purpose DRAM used in computers and phones, it’s not clear to what extent these new manufacturers will help alleviate the price crunch facing consumer electronics. Everything from Phones and Laptopsl Virtual reality headsets and Portable gaming devices Saw price increases due to RAM shortages.