DRAM memory prices are rising. Limited supply and production changes

According to TrendForce, DRAM prices are rising due to worsening supply conditions and shifts in production structure. Major manufacturers are gradually phasing out older solutions below the DDR4 standard, leading to availability constraints and price increases. In the first quarter of 2026, consumer DRAM prices rose 75–80% quarter-on-quarter, with a further 45–50% increase forecast for Q2. This trend stems not only from limited supply but also from order shifts and slower capacity expansion, especially among Taiwanese producers. In March, the price surge was particularly sharp for lower-density products, with sub-4 Gb DRAM components leading the way; average 4 Gb DDR4 prices rose over 20% month-on-month. In response to shifting demand, Taiwanese makers initially redirected capacity to DDR4 but are now seeing demand expand to DDR3 and DDR2 segments, causing prices for these older generations to spike by 20–40% in March. Taiwanese suppliers have also adjusted pricing strategies, with some already implementing anticipated Q2 hikes. As a result, transaction price disparities among customers are expected to narrow. Meanwhile, South Korean suppliers, already operating at relatively higher average selling prices, are likely to adopt a more moderate pricing approach. Broader structural shifts in the memory market, including AI-driven demand concentration, geopolitical changes, and rising capital intensity, will be discussed as part of the "Global Memory Market Reset" at upcoming industry events