DRAM prices soar nearly 500% as AI fuels shortage

DRAM export prices from South Korea have surged 497% year over year, marking the steepest increase in a decade, primarily driven by demand for AI servers. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron dominate the market, controlling about 95% of global DRAM supply, which gives them significant pricing power. The shortage is expected to continue, as new fabrication plants are not projected to reach volume production until 2027 or later, maintaining elevated prices and supply constraints.