存储三巨头，增设“霸王条款”

Core Insights - The storage giants are shifting their trading strategies to capitalize on potential gains during the ongoing "super cycle" of rising prices [2] - A new trading model is emerging as major companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are moving away from long-term supply agreements (LTA) to shorter contracts with "post-settlement" clauses [2] - The pressure from both soaring prices and limited supply is leading storage manufacturers to tighten order controls and verify customer demand authenticity [2][3] Group 1 - The willingness of storage giants to sign long-term supply agreements is decreasing, leading to a rise in short-term contracts [2] - The "post-settlement" clause allows suppliers to adjust prices based on market conditions after delivery, contrasting with previous fixed pricing models [2] - Buyers, particularly in the tech sector, prefer long-term contracts to ensure stable supply for expanding AI infrastructure, but many contracts are now being shortened to quarterly or monthly terms due to inventory constraints [2] Group 2 - Manufacturers are taking measures to ensure supply by repurposing old inventory, although this approach may compromise quality for secondary markets [3] - Consumer electronics manufacturers, such as smartphone makers, are facing unprecedented pressure due to low storage inventory levels, which are currently below the healthy range of 8-10 weeks [4] - Samsung's DRAM inventory has dropped to about six weeks, significantly below the normal levels of 10-12 weeks, indicating a potential ongoing supply shortage [4][4]