Overview
- Contract prices jumped sharply, with 32GB DDR5 modules rising to $239 from $149 since September and 16GB and 128GB parts up about 50%, according to distributor Fusion Worldwide.
- Samsung declined to comment on the reported hikes, which sources attribute to intense demand from AI data center build-outs.
- TrendForce expects Samsung’s October–December contract pricing to climb 40%–50%, outpacing an industry average near 30% as buyers secure multi‑year agreements.
- Industry executives report panic buying and premium payments to lock in supply, leaving smaller customers exposed as much of 2026 capacity is effectively allocated.
- Ripple effects are reaching consumer tech, with Xiaomi warning of higher phone costs and Silicon Motion’s CEO flagging severe HDD, DRAM, HBM and NAND shortages persisting into 2026.