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Fueled by robust AI and enterprise SSD demand, December NAND Flash wafer prices surged, led by TLC and QLC. With manufacturers strictly controlling capacity for high-end applications, the market remains a seller's market. The upward price trend is expected to persist due to continued tight supply.
Manufacturers shifting capacity to advanced processes has tightened mature process supply. Combined with robust niche demand in telecom, industrial, and automotive sectors, this drives SLC and MLC contract prices upward. The price rally is expected to continue into future quarters due to sustained supply-demand imbalances.
AI demand drives a 1Q26 seller's market. Capacity shifts to servers cause shortages. DRAM and NAND Flash prices rise broadly despite weak consumer demand.
NAND Flash prices are rising due to tight supply. Micron reported significant revenue and margin growth driven by robust AI and data center demand. Future focus remains on high-capacity QLC and enterprise SSDs to optimize profitability through high-margin applications.
Besides the mainstream market segments, TrendForce also provides price and supply/demand analyses for SLC solutions that belong to the more niche area of the NAND Flash market.
Upcoming quarterly contract prices keep rising on higher wafer costs and stronger buying. Spot prices stay firm amid tight supply. Smartphone NAND Flash sees upward pricing and narrowing regional gaps as supply‑demand stays imbalanced. Together with DRAM hikes, this pressures Android brands’ costs and structurally squeezes low‑ to mid‑tier models.
Memory price surge continues into 1Q26, pushing BOM cost to a critical point. Brands freeze price cuts and downsize specifications, facing severe sales challenges.
The Japanese earthquake left Kioxia’s Kitakami operations unaffected. With competitors prioritizing DRAM due to the AI boom, limiting NAND Flash expansion, Kioxia’s K2 plant becomes pivotal. possessing ample clean room space and a steady next-gen roadmap, K2 remains a key strategic asset for future market share expansion.
Severe shortages are driving a surge in NAND Flash prices and panic buying across contract and spot markets. Meanwhile, YMTC is aggressively expanding capacity, advancing technology, and planning an IPO and DRAM entry. This rapid growth is expected to boost its market share significantly, reshaping the global landscape.
This report leverages TrendForce’s expertise in the memory industry, as well as extends its in-depth research and analysis on the automotive sector
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