Major manufacturers are prioritizing AI memory (HBM and high-density DDR5), limiting availability of commodity DRAM and client NAND.

DRAM prices surged in 2025, and forecasts indicate continued steep inflation into early 2026.

DDR4 and DDR5 contract prices are expected to rise 50–60% in Q1 2026, while NAND contracts may jump 33–38%.

SSD market is bifurcating: enterprise SSD demand is surging while consumer demand remains weak, yet prices rise due to constrained wafer supply.

Short-term outlook (2026): prices remain elevated with strong inflation; medium-term relief (2027–2028) depends on new fab capacity.

Buyers should secure supply early, while resellers can maximize returns by optimizing inventory and focusing on high-demand enterprise-grade products.