Global DRAM revenue reached a record $97 billion in the first quarter of 2026, driven by surging demand from AI data centers and a significant rise in memory prices, according to Counterpoint Research. The market witnessed an impressive 80% increase from the previous quarter and a staggering 260% year-over-year growth. A notable factor contributing to this growth was the rising adoption of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and increased usage of LPDDR5 technology in AI infrastructure.
Samsung has maintained its leading position in the DRAM market, while China-based CXMT experienced substantial gains, capitalizing on the growing domestic demand for DRAM chips used in smartphones and servers. CXMT’s revenue skyrocketed over 700% year-over-year, making it the fastest-growing DRAM supplier worldwide, with its market share more than doubling to approximately 8%. As a result, CXMT is now positioned as the world’s fourth-largest DRAM supplier and is eyeing a potential initial public offering to fund additional capacity and delve further into the AI-focused HBM market.
Additionally, the Monthly Memory Price Tracker from Counterpoint Research indicated that DRAM prices continued to rise during the first quarter and are expected to increase by another 50% sequentially in the second quarter of 2026. Both Samsung and Micron are reportedly intensifying their efforts to boost production capacity and enhance their positions in emerging memory technologies as competition heats up. Counterpoint envisions that the overall DRAM market will expand by more than 300% in 2026.
Key Points:
- Why this story matters: DRAM demand is crucial for advancements in AI technology and impacts various sectors relying on memory solutions.
- Key takeaway: The semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by technological advancements and rising global demand.
- Opposing viewpoint: Some analysts caution that rapid price increases may lead to market corrections or slowdowns in certain sectors.
