DRAM industry revenue surged 81% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, hitting $97 billion. The jump comes as AI inference demand tightens supply and pushes contract prices nearly double.
Revenue growth driven by AI inference demand
According to market research firm TrendForce, general DRAM contract prices rose 93-98% in Q1. The sharp increase stems from a capacity squeeze as fabs prioritize process upgrades over new fab construction.
TrendForce expects Q2 2026 general DRAM contract prices to climb another 58-63%. Supply constraints will persist as manufacturers rely on node transitions rather than adding capacity.
Q2 2026 prices expected to rise further
The revenue growth reflects broad price increases across DRAM segments. Server DRAM demand from AI workloads remains a key driver, while PC and mobile segments also face higher costs.
TrendForce's report highlights that the industry is in a sustained upcycle. No capacity expansion plans have been announced, meaning tight supply could continue through the year.
The Q1 figures confirm that DRAM pricing has entered a steep upward trajectory. Buyers should expect further cost increases in the coming months.
Discussion
0 comments
Log in to join the thread with a thoughtful take, question, or correction.