Analysts warn RAM costs could rise 80–90 percent by end of 2026

Memory prices are expected to surge dramatically through late 2026, with analysts forecasting a 40–50 percent increase in Q3 and another 30–40 percent in Q4 as AI data center demand continues to outpace global supply. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron — who collectively control nearly all DRAM and NAND production — are again facing a California lawsuit accusing them of restricting output and shifting capacity toward high‑margin HBM to inflate prices. Industry experts warn that supply growth will remain minimal, meaning shortages could persist into 2027, with meaningful relief unlikely before 2028. Chinese manufacturers like CXMT are unable to scale into advanced nodes due to export controls, limiting competitive pressure. With memory prices already up 700 percent over four years, consumers and device makers face steep costs, while regulators revisit long‑standing concerns about price‑fixing in the memory industry.

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