AI's Insatiable Data Center Demand Triggers Global Memory Shortage: Prices Set to Surge Through 2026 Add to favorites

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Last update time : 2026-01-04 13:27:06

Global DRAM and NAND shortages intensify as AI demand drives memory prices up by 50%. Expect rising costs for smartphones, PCs, and laptops through 2027.

The global tech landscape is facing a significant supply chain bottleneck as the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers triggers a severe shortage of DRAM and NAND memory. This crisis, driven by the explosive demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and high-capacity DDR5 modules required for AI servers and GPUs, is reshaping the electronics market. Industry giants including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have strategically pivoted their production lines, prioritizing these high-margin AI components over traditional consumer electronics.

This shift in manufacturing focus has sent shockwaves through the pricing index. Since late 2025, costs for specific DRAM types have skyrocketed by three to five times their original value, and market analysts project an additional 40-50% price hike throughout 2026. The financial burden is expected to trickle down to the average consumer, with the retail prices of smartphones, laptops, and PCs anticipated to rise by 5% to 20%.

Market research firm IDC warns that these soaring costs could stifle market growth, projecting a potential contraction of up to 9% in the PC sector and 5% in the smartphone industry. To mitigate costs, hardware manufacturers may be forced to reduce standard RAM capacities in new models or face persistent stock shortages. Industry experts suggest that relief is unlikely until at least 2027, when new production facilities are scheduled to come online. For now, the 'AI hunger' continues to place unprecedented premium pressure on global consumer technology.

Tags : AI memory crisis DRAM shortage 2026 NAND flash prices HBM demand semiconductor supply chain smartphone price hike PC market trends Samsung SK Hynix Micron