Samsung says the RAM shortage could get even worse next year

2026-04-30 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Samsung predicts the global RAM shortage, fueled by AI data center demand, will persist and likely worsen through 2027, according to an earnings call on Thursday and a Reuters report. This severe memory scarcity is already driving up prices across various consumer electronics, including phones and gaming handhelds. Samsung memory chip business executive Kim Jaejune noted that the company's supply significantly lags customer demand, projecting the supply-to-demand gap for 2027 to be wider than in 2026. This forecast aligns with earlier reports suggesting major RAM manufacturers may not meet demand until 2030. Further exacerbating the situation, a potential 18-day strike by Samsung's labor union, scheduled to begin May 21st, could further impact chip availability.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and procurement managers evaluating hardware investments, you should anticipate continued and potentially worsening RAM supply constraints and price increases through at least 2027. Factor these escalating costs and extended lead times into your budget planning and supply chain strategies, especially for systems reliant on high-bandwidth memory for AI workloads. Consider diversifying suppliers or exploring alternative memory solutions to mitigate future risks.

Key insights

AI data center demand is intensifying a global RAM shortage, driving up prices and extending supply shortfalls.

Principles

• AI demand impacts hardware supply chains.
• Labor disputes can worsen supply chain issues.

In practice

• Monitor memory component lead times.
• Assess impact of rising RAM costs.

Topics

• RAM Shortage
• AI Data Centers
• Memory Chip Demand
• Samsung Electronics
• Labor Union Strike

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, Tech Journalist, General Interest, Executive

Related on AIssential

• Samsung reports record quarterly profit as chip income jumps almost 50-fold — The AI boom is driving unprecedented demand for memory chips, leading to record profits for manufacturers and a deepening global supply shortage.
• Ex-Samsung chip chief predicts RAM crisis easing by 2027 — The RAM crisis is predicted to ease by late 2027/early 2028 due to increased supply and AI sector dynamics.
• SHI International: Assessing AI's Impact on RAM Prices — AI's surging demand for HBM is causing a critical global RAM shortage, impacting IT supply chains and pricing.
• AI Crisis Averted: Samsung Worker's Union Calls off Strike — Labor disputes at critical semiconductor manufacturers pose significant risks to global AI infrastructure supply chains.
• BT warns of smartphone price rises due to chip shortages from AI boom — The AI boom's insatiable demand for memory chips is driving electronics price increases and supply chain pressures across multiple sectors.
• Automakers Face Memory Shock as AI Uses Up Semiconductor Supply — AI infrastructure's demand for HBM is causing a severe, structural memory shortage for the automotive industry.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.