The RAM shortage could last years
The global memory chip shortage is expected to continue until at least 2027, with some experts predicting it could last until 2030. Major memory chip makers are working to increase production, but new fabrication capacity won't be online until 2027 or later.
Why it matters
The prolonged memory chip shortage will impact a wide range of industries that rely on DRAM, including PCs, smartphones, servers, and other electronics.
Key Points
- 1Global memory chip shortage expected to last until at least 2027
- 2Top memory chip makers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are ramping up production
- 3New fabrication capacity won't be available until 2027 or later
- 4Production needs to increase 12% annually in 2026-2027 to meet demand
Details
According to reports, even as memory chip suppliers increase DRAM production, they are only expected to meet 60% of global demand by the end of 2027. The world's largest memory makers - Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron - are all working to add new fabrication capacity, but almost none of it will be online until at least 2027, if not 2028. SK Hynix opened a new fab in Cheongju in February 2023, but that is the only major increase in production among the top three suppliers in the next few years. Industry analysts say production would need to increase by 12% annually in 2026 and 2027 to fully meet demand, which is a challenging target for the chip makers.
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