HBM and DRAM prices used in AI accelerators are continuing to rise, according to an Aug. 31 report by Seoul Economic cited by ChainCatcher.
Data from the Korea International Trade Association showed that DRAM export volume fell from about 681.7 million units in May to 591.74 million units in July, a decline of 13.2%. Even so, export value increased from $11.428 billion to $13.552 billion, up 18.5%, while the average export price rose from $16.76 to $22.9, an increase of 36.6%.
HBM4 supply expansion adds to DRAM tightness
The report said expanding HBM4 shipments to customers including NVIDIA, together with lower initial yields than HBM3E, is adding to overall DRAM supply shortages.
Samsung Electronics’ memory division is reportedly set to allocate about 70% of its production capacity through 2031 to long-term supply agreements. The main counterparties include NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google.
Data from Mega Grid Supply showed that the spot price of 36GB HBM3E stood at $2,100, roughly 4 to 5 times the long-term contract price. The spot price for 16-layer HBM4, which is in mass-production coordination, was about $3,500.
Third-quarter profit forecasts move higher for Samsung and SK Hynix
Financial investment industry estimates cited in the report put Samsung Electronics’ third-quarter revenue at KRW 206.64 trillion and operating profit at KRW 116.38 trillion. The report said operating profit is expected to top KRW 100 trillion for the first time.
SK Hynix is expected to post third-quarter revenue of KRW 101.76 trillion and operating profit of KRW 79.16 trillion.
Samsung Electronics is also considering converting its S5 line, the only foundry production line at its Pyeongtaek complex, to memory production as early as next year, according to the report.