闪迪，计划涨价

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unprecedented changes in the NAND flash memory market, driven by increasing demand from AI applications and supply shortages, leading to significant price hikes and unconventional contract terms between suppliers and customers [1][3][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Sandisk has introduced a new contract model requiring full cash prepayment from customers in exchange for 1-3 years of supply assurance, reflecting the severe supply constraints in the NAND flash market [1]. - The demand for AI-related storage solutions has led major manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron to prioritize production for AI applications, resulting in a drastic reduction in the supply of standard DDR4/DDR5 memory [3]. - Some standard storage products have seen price increases of over 10 times, creating a challenging environment for consumers [3]. Group 2: Corporate Strategies - Google is facing supply challenges for its AI accelerator (TPU) due to reliance on HBM from Samsung, leading to personnel changes in its procurement team to secure better supply agreements [4]. - Companies like Meta are also hiring specialists to strengthen direct relationships with upstream suppliers, indicating a shift in procurement strategies to ensure stable supply [4]. - Many enterprises are preemptively purchasing or stockpiling memory chips to mitigate future supply risks, with some brands signing long-term contracts to secure their needs [5]. Group 3: Pricing and Supply Issues - The current market has shifted to a "seller's market," where larger brands are prioritized for DRAM supplies, making it difficult for smaller brands to secure inventory [5]. - Some buyers are willing to abandon traditional long-term contracts in favor of shorter contracts at higher prices to ensure supply, reflecting the urgency in the market [6]. - Anecdotal evidence highlights the extreme price increases in memory products, with unusual transactions occurring as consumers adapt to the new pricing landscape [6].