Memory Prices Could Surge Another 50% Before End of 2026
According to Jefferies Equity Research, memory prices for RAM and SSDs are expected to surge significantly throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. The research predicts price increases of 40–50% in the third quarter of 2026, followed by another 30–40% hike in the fourth quarter. The trajectory continues into 2027 with forecasted year-on-year increases of 40–45%.
The primary driver behind these price escalations is demand from AI data centers, which are consuming available memory stock at unprecedented rates. This shortage has already begun impacting consumer prices across the industry, with major technology companies announcing their own price increases. Xbox recently raised prices for its Series family of consoles, and Apple has similarly increased pricing on several products.
Relief from the memory crisis is not expected until 2028, and even then it will be modest. Jefferies predicts only a 15–20% recovery when increased production finally comes online. This timeline conflicts with some earlier optimistic forecasts from industry figures like former Samsung boss Kyung-Hyeon Kye, who had suggested Chinese manufacturing increases might resolve the shortage sooner.
The extended forecast suggests that elevated memory pricing will persist as a significant cost factor for PC gaming and consumer electronics through at least 2027, making this a sustained market challenge rather than a temporary disruption.