According to TrendForce, the memory market is facing a severe supply-demand imbalance, especially driven by persistent AI and data center demands. This is causing a sharp increase in DRAM and NAND Flash contract prices for Q1 2026. PC shipments in Q4 2025 exceeded expectations, leading to a PC DRAM shortage, impacting even major OEMs.

The report forecasts a substantial rise in DRAM contract prices, with increases revised from 55-60% to 90-95%. NAND Flash is also expected to increase, from 33-38% to 55-60%. Server DRAM prices are predicted to surge by approximately 90% quarter-over-quarter. This competition for limited supply is due to the growing need for high-performance storage.

Further compounding the issue, manufacturers are prioritizing DRAM production, limiting NAND Flash capacity expansion. Enterprise SSD prices are projected to rise significantly. This shortage is fueled by the rapid increase in AI applications and the subsequent demand for high-performance storage solutions. These price hikes will impact consumers and businesses alike.

Looking ahead, the industry will likely see further price adjustments. The situation underscores the broader impact of AI and data center growth on the tech supply chain. The balance between supply and demand will be critical to watch in the coming months. Expect to see these increases reflected in the prices of new PCs, servers, and storage devices.