Samsung hikes memory prices another 30%, despite DDR5 RAM seeing softer demand

Samsung has once again raised memory prices by 30% for its latest contracts with high-volume buyers, according to Korean ETNews, despite some signs of softening demand in the retail DDR5 RAM market. This latest increase comes on top of the 100% price hikes Samsung implemented in Q1 2026 as the memory shortage intensified.

While the rising costs are cooling from their peak, the company doesn't anticipate a dramatic reversal. An industry source told ETNews, "We do not see any signs of price improvement or decline around AI demand at present." The expansion of AI data centers has triggered the memory shortage, which has since affected the retail market. Many servers operate using high-bandwidth memory (HBM), leading factories to produce less of the DRAM that consumers rely on.

Interestingly, DDR5 prices have shown recent signs of moderating in some regions. A TrendForce report highlighted how some modules have become more attainable in the U.S. and Europe, including popular SKUs in the Corsair Vengeance lineup available on Amazon. Ironically, in China, components are selling at levels as much as 30% below those seen earlier in 2026. There are even accounts of scalpers who had accumulated large supplies panicking as many buyers have been unable to build new PCs, causing demand to fade.

Despite these regional price fluctuations, analysts believe that the decline in memory prices will prove to be a short-term fluctuation. The latest contracts signed between Samsung and its clients reflect confidence in the AI boom's longevity. Another ETNews source stated, "Demand for high-performance DRAM and HBM has not changed," adding that "The long-term contract demand and competition to secure DRAMs are also increasing."

As a result, DDR5 RAM for laptops or consoles is unlikely to become more affordable in the near future. Meanwhile, smartphone owners will find fewer tempting upgrade offers. Samsung is not the only supplier capitalizing on the AI-driven crisis. The Korean report confirms that Micron and SK Hynix expect to raise contract prices in the second quarter as well.

The memory market continues to be shaped by the competing forces of AI data center demand and softening consumer PC sales, creating a complex pricing landscape where contract prices remain elevated even as some retail channels see temporary relief.