TrendForce: Samsung and SK Hynix to follow SanDisk in raising NAND flash prices by over 10% starting April 1.

TrendForce: Samsung and SK Hynix to follow SanDisk in raising NAND flash prices by over 10% starting April 1.

The global NAND flash market is witnessing a notable turnaround, with leading memory manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, and SanDisk reportedly planning to raise prices in response to improving supply-demand dynamics and rising costs [1]. According to TrendForce's latest analysis, Samsung and SK Hynix are expected to follow SanDisk's lead in increasing NAND flash prices by over 10% starting April 1 [1].

The market's shift can be attributed to several factors, including proactive production cuts by manufacturers, inventory reductions in the smartphone sector, and growing demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning applications [1]. These elements are expected to alleviate oversupply and support a price rebound for NAND flash, TrendForce notes.

In the third quarter of 2024, the NAND flash industry's revenue reached $176 billion, marking a 4.8% quarter-over-quarter increase, despite a 2% decline in outbound shipments [2]. The average selling price (ASP) for NAND flash, however, rose by 7% during the same period, indicating the market's improving pricing dynamics.

Despite the positive outlook, the market still faces challenges in the fourth quarter of 2025, as enterprise-level SSD prices are expected to remain stable, while other categories may experience declining contract prices [2]. Moreover, consumer brands are expected to reduce their inventory levels ahead of the year-end, potentially leading to a decrease in orders and a slower market recovery.

Samsung, the world's largest NAND flash supplier, reported a 5% decline in outbound shipments during the third quarter of 2024, but its revenue remained stable at $62 billion [2]. The company's enterprise-level SSD business has been supported by strong demand in the North American market, while its handset business has experienced a decline in outbound shipments.

SK Hynix, Samsung's closest competitor, reported a 3.4% decline in outbound shipments during the same period, but its revenue also remained stable at $54 billion [2]. The company's enterprise-level SSD business has been growing, driven by strong demand from cloud service providers and data center operators.

As the market recovers, leading NAND flash suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are expected to benefit from the improved pricing dynamics and growing demand for their products.

References:
[1] TrendForce. (2025, March 11). News: NAND prices on the rise - Micron and SanDisk reportedly lead in April with Samsung and SK Hynix likely to follow. https://www.trendforce.com/news/2025/03/11/news-nand-prices-on-the-rise-micron-and-sandisk-reportedly-lead-in-april-with-samsung-sk-hynix-likely-to-follow/
[2] TrendForce. (2024, November 27). NAND Flash Market Analysis - 3Q24. https://www.trendforce.cn/presscenter/news/20241127-12382.html