A memory chip supply crunch is worsening as AI infrastructure expands.
CNBC reported on Monday that Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi (사신 가지) said memory chip shortages and rising prices would last until 2027.
Demand for high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, is surging as AI data centres and servers spread. Major memory makers such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron are moving to expand output, but Ghazi said memory chips are being concentrated on AI infrastructure and other markets are experiencing supply shortages.
Rising memory prices are expected to affect consumer electronics. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has signalled a price increase in 2026, and Lenovo CFO Winston Cheng (윈스턴 청) said memory prices are rising and it is highly likely that the higher costs will be passed on to consumers.
Cheng said replacement cycles would lengthen as PC and laptop users upgrade to Windows 11. He said price increases would affect the low-end market first.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr