Samsung Electronics has sharply increased prices for several memory chips by as much as 60% compared to September, as global demand for AI data centers deepens supply shortages, according to industry sources familiar with the pricing.
Samsung, the world’s largest memory chipmaker, delayed its usual October contract-pricing announcement before raising prices for multiple DDR5 server memory modules. Contract prices for 32GB DDR5 modules surged from $149 in September to $239 in November, while 16GB and 128GB modules rose about 50%. Additional DDR5 configurations saw increases exceeding 30%.
The price hikes triggered a rally in chip stocks, with Samsung, SK Hynix, and U.S. chipmakers gaining amid renewed optimism over the AI-hardware boom.
Analysts say customers — including major server manufacturers — are now paying steep premiums and still struggling to secure adequate supply. The shortage has also pushed some manufacturers into panic buying, according to industry executives.
Samsung has separately announced plans to build a new production line in South Korea, citing strong long-term demand driven by AI.
