Samsung Co-CEO TM Roh has raised concerns about an “unprecedented” shortage in computer memory, a key component in technology hardware. In an interview with Reuters, Roh stated, “no company is immune to its impact.” He indicated that the shortage would have unavoidable effects on the consumer hardware industry and is likely to result in higher prices for TVs, home appliances, and smartphones.
Computer memory is used to store data or information within devices. There are two main types: volatile memory (such as DRAM), which stores information temporarily for quick access, and non-volatile memory (like NAND flash used in SSDs), which provides long-term storage.
The price of memory has been significantly affected by high demand from large technology companies known as hyperscalers—including Alphabet, Meta, and Oracle—that are investing heavily in data centers for artificial intelligence applications. This surge in demand has disrupted the semiconductor industry.
Despite the ongoing shortage, global producers of memory have shifted their focus toward manufacturing high-performance computing equipment. The DRAM market is mainly controlled by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. In December, Micron announced it would exit its consumer business to meet growing demand from the AI sector.
This shift has led to rising costs for PC components. Prices for current-generation DDR5 RAM have more than doubled, while older DDR4 RAM prices have also increased sharply. Flash storage is facing similar pressures; Phison’s CEO noted that NAND flash prices could rise by up to 75% due to increased competition among buyers. Companies like Western Digital and Seagate saw strong performance on the S&P 500 index in 2025 as a result.
Stock markets in South Korea and Taiwan reached record highs following these developments. Both countries rely heavily on advanced computing equipment manufacturing, and investors anticipate positive outcomes for major firms such as TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix.
However, there are concerns that without additional production capacity to meet consumer demand, continued shortages could lead to higher prices for smartphones and laptops or force consumers to accept lower specifications. The issue affects not only Samsung products but also those from other manufacturers like Apple and Google.
The situation highlights broader impacts across all areas of technology with no immediate resolution expected.
