Manufacturers are expected to meet only 60% of DRAM demand by the end of 2027, according to Nikkei Asia. This shortfall has led SK Group chairman to warn that shortages could persist until 2030. The world's largest memory makers - Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron - are working to increase production capacity through new fabrication facilities, but most won't come online until at least 2027.
SK opened a new fab in February, but it is the only expansion among the three companies this year. According to Counterpoint Research, planned production increases of 7.5% in 2026 and 2027 are short of the 12% needed to meet demand. The new facilities will primarily focus on high-bandwidth memory (HBM), used in AI data centers.
The RAM shortage has led to price increases for a range of consumer electronics, including phones, laptops, VR headsets, and gaming handhelds. The shortage highlights the tight supply chain for DRAM, which is used in many different applications.
Nikkei Asia reports that suppliers are ramping up production, but even with these efforts, manufacturers will struggle to meet demand. With prices expected to remain high due to the ongoing shortage, companies may need to adjust their business strategies or find alternative solutions to access necessary DRAM supplies.
