Overview
- Contract prices for several DDR5 modules jumped sharply, with 32GB rising to $239 from $149 since September, 16GB to $135, 128GB to $1,194, and 64GB and 96GB up more than 30%, according to industry sources.
- Industry executives report panic buying and say major server builders now accept they will receive far less product, with extreme premiums being paid for available supply.
- Samsung declined to comment on the increases, which sources say were formally set this month after pricing details were delayed in October.
- Ripple effects are spreading across the supply chain as SMIC notes customers are holding back orders for other chips and Xiaomi warns higher memory costs are lifting phone production expenses.
- Analysts say the shortage boosts Samsung’s pricing power versus rivals, with TrendForce expecting the company’s fourth‑quarter contract prices to climb 40%–50% and customers pursuing long‑term agreements into 2026–2027.