Rising memory chip prices a global concern: Samsung

metro india news  I SAN FRANCISCO

South Korean electronics major Samsung has described the surge in global memory chip prices as a serious industry-wide concern and said it will continue efforts to minimise the impact on its business and consumers, particularly in key markets such as India.

Speaking at a media roundtable on the sidelines of the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung Southwest Asia President and CEO JB Park said the company is closely monitoring market dynamics and expects to remain relatively well-positioned on the supply side through strategic partnerships.

“Rising memory semiconductor prices are a global issue and impacting the broader industry. We expect to be relatively well-positioned on the supply side through strategic partnerships and will continue efforts to minimise the impact on our business by responding flexibly to market changes,” Park said.

He, however, acknowledged that the shortage of memory chips is likely to continue until 2027. According to him, the rapid surge in artificial intelligence applications, particularly in data centres, has absorbed a significant portion of global memory supply, affecting availability across segments such as DRAM, HBM and NAND.

The shortage has already pushed up prices of consumer products including budget smartphones, laptops, LED televisions and home appliances, with some categories also witnessing stock constraints.

Park said Samsung, as a responsible player, is taking necessary steps to ensure adequate supply of memory chips to the Indian market, which contributes nearly 10 per cent of the company’s global revenues. He noted that India remains a strategic market for the South Korean giant.

The company will continue to prioritise supply for key consumer devices in India, including smartphones and televisions, which require substantial memory chipsets. “We prioritise giving what is the best product portfolio applicable for the Indian market. We adjust dynamically to supply and demand,” he said.

Samsung recently launched its flagship Galaxy S26 series, its third AI-focused smartphone lineup, which will be manufactured at the company’s Noida plant. Park also highlighted the contribution of Samsung’s Bengaluru R&D centre, its largest outside South Korea, in developing the new series.