Global memory markets shifted in the first quarter of 2026. Samsung held the largest share of the DRAM sector at 38 percent. SK Hynix controlled 58 percent of the high-bandwidth memory market, down from 69 percent a year earlier. China-based CXMT expanded its DRAM presence to 8 percent from 3 percent in the same period last year.
SK Hynix controls high-bandwidth memory sector while CXMT expands presence
NAND flash storage saw rapid growth during this quarter. The overall NAND market increased by 90 percent compared to the previous three months. This surge came primarily from rising component prices rather than volume gains. YMTC captured 13 percent of the global NAND share, up from 8 percent in the prior year.
The data reflects a period where pricing power dictated market dynamics. Memory producers modified production plans in response to shifting demand from both consumer and enterprise markets. Samsung sustained its market leadership by leveraging existing production capabilities and stable supply chains. CXMT increased its market presence through expanded manufacturing operations within China.
SK Hynix faced pressure in the high-bandwidth memory segment despite retaining the top position. SK Hynix saw its market share decline from 69% to 58% year-over-year due to increased competitor production. NAND vendors benefited from coordinated price adjustments that lifted average selling prices across the board. YMTC capitalized on these trends to expand its presence in the NAND sector.
The quarterly report covers global shipments and revenue data for DRAM, HBM, and NAND products. All figures apply to worldwide markets without regional restrictions. This report utilizes conventional industry metrics commonly referenced by memory market observers. No specific pricing tiers or availability windows are included in this dataset.
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