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Samsung Says Memory Shortages Will Worsen in 2027 as Capacity Shifts to AI Customers

Multi‑year deals from AI and data center buyers are taking the bulk of wafer output and leaving fewer chips for consumer memory and storage, keeping prices high.

Overview

  • Samsung told investors that incremental DRAM and NAND supply is unlikely to rise through 2028 and that 2027 will be tighter than 2026.
  • The company said it has locked about 60–70% of its memory capacity into multi‑year contracts with AI and data center customers, prioritizing higher‑margin enterprise orders.
  • Samsung's memory business produced a large profit surge this quarter, a result of strong enterprise demand and long contracts.
  • Independent module makers and PC suppliers are raising inventories and arranging financing to secure parts, which reduces short‑term consumer availability and raises financial risk for those firms.
  • Analysts warn new production lines and Chinese fab ramps will take many quarters to ease pressure because memory fabs have long build and qualification cycles, and proposed U.S. tariffs could further tighten consumer supply.