Two of the popular global semiconductor companies, Samsung and SK hynix, are running with unusually low memory inventories. A recent report claims Samsung’s memory stockpiles have crashed to below ten days, putting pressure on the already high-demand, low-supply market.
Samsung memory inventory crashes unexpectedly low, demand continues to surge
The global memory market is already in a rough situation right now. Most manufacturers are facing increasing prices and low supply. The following situation is expected to become even worse in 2027, when the arrival of HBM4 is expected to require more production capacity. However, the main pressure continues to increase due to rapid expansion of AI data centers.
High-bandwidth memory, or HBM, is built by stacking several DRAM layers on top of a base die. That means the same manufacturing capacity used for conventional DRAM can instead be directed toward HBM. Samsung and SK hynix are both investing heavily in their higher-value AI chips. This basically means consumer electronics and other market niches are left with limited supply options.
Samsung has only ten days’ worth of stock left
According to Business Korea, citing data and comments from KB Securities, inventories at Samsung and SK hynix had fallen to less than ten days in the third quarter. Kim Dong-won, research chief at KB Securities, warned that such low stock levels could cause additional shocks if supply falls short of demand.
The next major point of concern is the arrival of HBM4. The new generation is more capacity-intensive than earlier HBM products. It could easily put additional strain on DRAM production worldwide. The effects are already being felt beyond memory markets. And the latest report suggests it will continue to get worse in the coming years.
The post Samsung and SK hynix Face Memory Crunch as AI Demand Continues to Rise appeared first on Android Headlines.
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