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Samsung to Raise NAND Prices Again in Q2 as Memory Squeeze Deepens

AI server buildouts are handing chipmakers unusual pricing power over NAND contracts.

Overview

  • Korean media report that Samsung plans another NAND price increase in the second quarter, roughly matching its first‑quarter hike of about 100%, which would leave prices near double late‑2025 levels if implemented.
  • Industry sources say SK Hynix and Kioxia are also preparing further increases, reflecting sellers’ strengthened negotiating position.
  • TrendForce data show the average fixed price for 128Gb MLC NAND rose to $12.67 last month, up 33.9% from January and 452.3% from a year earlier.
  • DigiTimes reports February spot prices jumped, led by a 25% rise in 1Tb TLC NAND wafers to $25, while DRAM moves were mixed with DDR5 up 7.4% and some DDR4 parts little changed.
  • Taiwan’s Nanya expects the DRAM supply‑demand imbalance to persist until the second half of 2028 and plans a new fab with equipment installation in early 2027 and volume output in the second half of 2027.