存储芯片，又要涨价了

Core Viewpoint - The storage shortage remains unresolved at the beginning of 2026, with major tech companies seeking long-term supply agreements for DRAM amid rising prices and increasing demand driven by AI infrastructure [1][2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and Dell are actively seeking long-term supply agreements for DRAM, indicating a competitive environment for storage resources [1]. - Samsung and SK Hynix, the leading memory manufacturers, are refusing to sign long-term contracts and are instead opting for quarterly agreements, which reflects their control over production capacity [2]. Group 2: Price Increases - Samsung and SK Hynix have announced price increases for DRAM, with first-quarter prices expected to rise by 60%-70% compared to the previous quarter [2]. - Market research firm DRAMeXchange has adjusted its forecast for server DRAM price increases to 60%-65% for the first quarter, indicating strong acceptance of these price hikes by customers [3]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Issues - The shortage of server DRAM is exacerbated by manufacturers focusing on HBM3E production, leading to a widening supply-demand gap [4]. - Companies like Google and Microsoft are expanding their AI service offerings, which is driving up demand for general-purpose server DRAM [4]. Group 4: Financial Projections - Investment banks predict significant increases in operating profits for Samsung and SK Hynix, with estimates of 155 trillion KRW and 148 trillion KRW respectively, reflecting year-on-year growth of 253% and 224% [4]. - The average selling price (ASP) of server DRAM is projected to increase by 144% year-on-year, indicating a substantial impact on the cost structure for smartphone, PC, and server manufacturers [4].