China's largest DRAM maker, CXMT, is reportedly preparing to enter the NAND flash market. According to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter, the company plans to set up a NAND R&D production line at its new plant in Beijing. CXMT has also established a research institute in the capital where NAND development is among the projects.

This move would put CXMT in direct competition with global leaders like Samsung and domestic rival YMTC, which currently ranks third in NAND shipments. Sources indicate CXMT has already discussed its plans with potential customers, including a newly established startup seeking chips for AI and supercomputer storage products. However, it remains unclear when the R&D line will begin operations or if CXMT intends to progress to large-scale manufacturing.

CXMT and YMTC are often called the "twin stars" of China's memory industry and have historically operated in separate segments. That dynamic is shifting, as Reuters reported in April that YMTC had sent low-power DRAM samples to customers. While both companies still trail larger foreign rivals, the ongoing supply shortage has granted them pricing power; CXMT was reportedly charging more than Samsung for 64 GB DDR5 server modules in July. TrendForce expects NAND supply tightness to ease only in the second half of next year.