Overview
- Google has reportedly dismissed procurement executives after they failed to secure long‑term HBM supply agreements from Korean vendors.
- Microsoft executives have traveled to meet SK Hynix in Korea, with one reportedly walking out after suppliers said they could not meet the company’s terms.
- Purchasing teams from Google, Microsoft and Meta are being stationed in Korea to pursue long‑term deals and manage negotiations for HBM, DRAM and enterprise SSDs.
- Only SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics and Micron produce the most advanced memory, and industry reports say capacity for the coming year is already sold out.
- Tech giants are expanding hiring for memory sourcing roles, including a Google posting for a Global Memory Commodity Manager, as suppliers prioritize data‑center products and prices climb.