[News] SK hynix Jumps on the Price Hike Train, Rumored to Raise Consumer DRAM Chip Prices by 12%

With Micron, SanDisk, and Samsung already raising prices, SK hynix is now the latest memory giant to jump on the bandwagon. According to China’s Wallstreetcn, citing supply chain sources, SK hynix has increased its consumer DRAM chip/die prices by 12%.

According to No Cut News, SK hynix said at its March 27 shareholder meeting that it would stay flexible and focus on demand, not price hikes.

However, as market conditions evolve, SK hynix seems to be bracing for price hikes as well. According to TrendForce, average DRAM prices, including HBM, are expected to rise 3-8% in Q2 due to increased shipments of HBM3e 12hi, with mobile and consumer DRAM leading the charge.

Notably, amid concerns that tighter U.S. chip export controls to China—already costing NVIDIA $5.5 billion for its H20 chips—could also impact SK hynix, the company claimed its HBM sales plans for key customers remain unchanged and fully align with previously signed contracts, as per Reuters.

Meanwhile, the Reuters report suggested that SK hynix isn’t heavily exposed to U.S. tariffs either. While 60% of its revenue comes from U.S. customers, most of its products are shipped elsewhere. For instance, Apple assembles iPhones in China and India, and NVIDIA produces AI servers in Mexico and Taiwan, the report adds.

Samsung Raises Prices to Weather Potential Tariff Impact

Prior to SK hynix, Samsung is rumored to be gearing up to hike DRAM and NAND flash prices by 3 to 5% in early April, with negotiations already underway with global clients, as per Pulse.

The report suggests that if the Trump administration imposes tariffs on semiconductors, it could cause supply disruptions and drive up memory prices further in the second half of 2025. Therefore, Samsung’s decision to raise prices is reportedly viewed as a strategic move to boost earnings and navigate the trade uncertainties sparked by U.S. policies.

Read more

• [News] Samsung Joins the Price Hike Wave, Reportedly Aiming for an up to 5% Price Raise
• [News] Micron Alerts Customers to Price Hikes, Signaling Robust 2025-26 Demand
• [News] China’s YMTC Reportedly Joins NAND Price Hike, Set to Increase Over 10% in April

(Photo credit: SK hynix)