‘Customer demand will remain higher than our supply capacity even beyond 2030’: SK hynix CEO predicts memory supply crisis may run even longer than we feared
SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung has warned that the semiconductor memory supply crisis will persist far longer than previously anticipated. In statements to Reuters, the executive predicted that 2027 will be “the worst year in the industry’s history from the supply perspective,” extending the shortage well beyond initially expected timelines.
The memory chip shortage has significantly impacted the technology industry, affecting computer manufacturers and gaming hardware producers. While industry observers had hoped for relief around 2028—when major manufacturers including SK hynix, Micron, and Samsung were expected to complete major capacity expansion projects—the CEO’s outlook suggests supply constraints will continue beyond 2030.
According to Kwak, the fundamental challenge is a persistent imbalance between supply and demand. Customer demand continues to exceed manufacturing capacity even as new production facilities come online, suggesting that memory prices will remain elevated and availability constrained for an extended period.
The extended timeline has significant implications for the technology sector, including PC gaming, data centers, and consumer electronics. An extended supply crisis beyond 2030 could continue to impact hardware component costs and manufacturers’ ability to meet consumer demand at reasonable prices.