Samsung’s 60% DRAM Price Hike Signals a New Phase of Global Memory Tightening

Samsung raised DRAM prices by up to 60% since September 2025, with 32GB DDR5 modules jumping from $149 to $239. The surge stems from AI data center demand straining global supply as manufacturers prioritize high-bandwidth memory production. Analysts predict prices will remain elevated through 2026, affecting both new and used memory markets. The shift transforms DRAM from a commodity to a strategic bottleneck, impacting system builders, data center operators, and IT resellers who must now plan procurement carefully amid sustained scarcity.