Samsung Warns RAM Shortage Will Worsen Through 2027, May Not Resolve Until 2030
Supply-demand gap widening as AI data center demand outstrips production, union strike threat looms
Quick Look
- Samsung predicts the severe memory shortage driving up prices for phones and gaming handhelds will worsen through 2027, with supply falling far short of customer demand.
- The world's biggest RAM manufacturer warns the supply-to-demand gap will widen further next year, following earlier reports that the industry may not catch up until 2030.
- Complications could arise if Samsung fails to reach agreement with its labor union planning an 18-day strike starting May 21st.
AI-generated summary
There may be a long wait before the end of the RAM shortage that's driving up prices on everything from phones to gaming handhelds. During an earnings call on Thursday, Samsung predicted that the severe memory shortage, driven by demand from AI data centers, will not only continue next year, but likely get worse, as reported by Reuters. As Samsung memory chip business executive Kim Jaejune stated during the earnings call: "Our supply falls far short of customer demand. Based solely on the demand currently received for 2027, the supply-to-demand gap for 2027 is set to widen even further than in 2026." Samsung's prediction follows reports earlier this month that the world's biggest RAM manufacturers might not be able to catch up with demand until 2030. Shortages of Samsung's chips could get even worse if it can't come to an agreement with its labor union, which is planning an 18-day strike starting May 21st.
