SEOUL—Samsung Electronics is seeking a significant increase in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) contract prices for the third quarter, aiming to raise average selling prices by as much as 20% from the previous quarter as tight supply and robust artificial intelligence-related demand continue to reshape the global memory market, according to multiple industry reports.
The planned increase, which has not been publicly confirmed by Samsung, is being discussed with customers during ongoing contract negotiations, industry sources said. Reports indicate that prices for low-power DRAM (LPDDR), widely used in smartphones and AI servers, could rise by more than 20% because of particularly constrained supply.
The move would mark Samsung's third consecutive quarterly increase in DRAM pricing, extending a period of sharp gains driven by accelerating investment in AI infrastructure, cloud computing and data centers. Analysts say demand has continued to outpace available supply as memory manufacturers prioritize higher-value products, including high-bandwidth memory used in AI applications.
Market research firm TrendForce has forecast third-quarter DRAM contract prices will increase by about 13% to 18% from the previous quarter, while NAND flash prices are expected to rise by 10% to 15%, reflecting continued supply tightness even as the pace of increases moderates from earlier in the year.
Industry reports said Samsung had discussed higher DRAM contract prices with some customers, including electronics manufacturers in China, during negotiations last month. If implemented, the higher memory costs could eventually feed into prices for consumer electronics such as smartphones, personal computers and other devices that rely heavily on DRAM components.
Samsung has not publicly commented on the reported third-quarter pricing strategy.
The reported negotiations come as Samsung is expected to post sharply higher second-quarter earnings, supported by rising memory prices and sustained AI-driven demand. Analysts expect the broader memory market to remain undersupplied into next year, although some caution that weakening consumer electronics demand and affordability pressures could slow the pace of future price increases.
Separately, Samsung, along with major memory rivals SK Hynix and Micron Technology, is facing a class-action lawsuit in the United States alleging anticompetitive conduct in the DRAM market. The allegations remain unproven in court, and the companies have not been found liable. The reported third-quarter price negotiations are separate from those legal proceedings.
