RAM shortage could persist for years as manufacturers struggle to meet AI-driven demand

A global shortage of RAM is expected to last for years as memory manufacturers struggle to meet surging demand driven by artificial intelligence applications. According to Nikkei Asia, memory makers are only expected to meet 60 percent of demand by the end of 2027. SK Group chairman has said shortages could continue until 2030. The world's largest memory manufacturers. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. are all working to add new fabrication capacity, but almost none of it will be operational until at least 2027 or 2028. SK Hynix opened a fabrication plant in Cheongju in February, representing the only production increase among the three companies for 2026. Nikkei reports that production would need to increase by 12 percent annually in 2026 and 2027 to meet demand. However, Counterpoint Research indicates only a 7.5 percent increase is planned. New manufacturing facilities will primarily focus on producing high-bandwidth memory used in AI data centers. With companies already prioritizing HBM over general-purpose DRAM used in computers and phones, it remains unclear how much these new fabs will alleviate price pressures on consumer electronics. Prices for devices ranging from phones and laptops to VR headsets and gaming handhelds have increased due to the RAM shortage.