SK Hynix projects global memory supply constraints will extend into 2030

SK Hynix reported record revenue and operating profit for the third quarter of 2026, but the South Korean chipmaker warned that global memory demand is projected to outstrip production capacity until 2030. The sustained crunch is largely driven by aggressive spending on artificial intelligence data centers, with further pressure expected as robotics and autonomous vehicles integrate AI hardware. [1][2][3]

Ramping up output remains difficult because constructing fabrication plants requires years and advanced memory manufacturing has grown increasingly complex. SK Hynix has committed $13 billion toward a new fabrication facility that will not open until 2030, though it has already locked in long-term supply deals for over half its planned output for 2027 and 2028. Fellow chipmaker Samsung also projects its supply constraints will last until at least 2028. [2]

The persistent bottleneck threatens to drive consumer electronics prices higher. With manufacturers funneling resources into lucrative enterprise server chips, supplies of standard RAM and storage could stagnate, raising costs across smartphones, laptops, graphics cards, and smart home appliances. [2]