Micron Technology(US:MU) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-11-14 11:49Core Viewpoint - The surge in upstream storage chip prices has led several smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo, to pause their procurement for the current quarter, as they face significant price increases of nearly 50% from suppliers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix [1][5]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The demand for storage chips has surged due to the AI model wave, with data centers willing to pay over 30% more than smartphone manufacturers for the same products [1]. - Major storage manufacturers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, have reduced their NAND flash supply in the second half of the year to drive up prices [1][2]. - Samsung has lowered its NAND wafer production target for the year from 5.07 million to 4.72 million, a decrease of about 7% [2]. Group 2: Pricing Trends - The price of DDR5 DRAM surged by 25% within a week after Samsung paused its contract pricing for October [1]. - SanDisk raised its NAND flash contract prices by 50% in November, prompting other major manufacturers to follow suit [4]. - The cost of storage chips typically accounts for 10%-30% of a smartphone's total cost, with high-end models seeing costs exceed 20% [5]. Group 3: Supply Chain Implications - Smartphone manufacturers are currently cautious in their procurement strategies due to rising costs, with many projects being halted due to high storage chip prices [5]. - Semiconductor companies like SMIC have delayed shipments of mobile products due to supply shortages and price increases [5]. - The current inventory levels of major manufacturers are nearing depletion, limiting their ability to lower prices [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Even if manufacturers choose to increase production, it will take one to two years to meet current market demand [6]. - The ongoing AI demand may have speculative elements, and true demand levels may not be clear until next year [6]. - It is anticipated that storage chip prices will continue to rise in the first half of next year due to reduced production by major suppliers [6].