RAM SHORTAGE COULD PERSIST UNTIL 2030

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

SUN, APR 19, 2026

Global DRAM production will struggle to meet demand for years, with manufacturers expected to fulfill only 60 percent of needs by 2027, according to Nikkei Asia. SK Group's chairman warned shortages could extend to 2030.

The world's three largest memory chipmakers—Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron—are expanding production capacity, but most new fabrication plants won't become operational until 2027 at the earliest, with some delayed until 2028. SK Hynix opened a fab in Cheongju in February, marking the only near-term production increase among the major suppliers. The gap between supply and demand will force manufacturers to make difficult allocation choices across industries reliant on DRAM chips. The prolonged shortage reflects both surging global demand for memory chips and the significant time required to construct and operationalize semiconductor fabrication facilities. The capital-intensive nature of fab development means supply constraints will persist even as companies aggressively pursue expansion.

■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK

P660ASML SEEKS PRICE HIKES; TSMC PUSHES BACK

Chip equipment maker ASML is pushing to raise prices on its EUV systems and plans a 10% increase on DUV equipment, but major customer TSMC is resisting the move.

JUST NOW— AI Desk

P645ORBITAL DATA CENTERS FACE HEAT DISSIPATION CHALLENGE

Building data centers in space requires solving a critical engineering problem: how to cool servers without Earth's atmosphere. Current radiator technology used on the ISS is expensive and heavy, forcing startups to rethink thermal management from scratch.

4H AGO— Industry Desk

P642HUGGING FACE RELEASES $2,500 3D-PRINTABLE BIPEDAL ROBOT

Hugging Face has launched an open-source humanoid robot project featuring 3D-printable legs, targeting robotics researchers and builders. The platform aims to democratize bipedal robot development at an accessible price point.

4H AGO— Industry Desk

P633STARLINK V5 DISH SLIMMER, MORE EFFICIENT

Starlink has released its V5 residential dish, featuring a smaller form factor and improved energy efficiency. The update does not increase data speeds but addresses practical deployment concerns.

6H AGO— Industry Desk

◄ BACK TO NEWS

RAM SHORTAGE COULD PERSIST UNTIL 2030

■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF