Memory Prices Jump 10% on AI Demand

Memory prices are climbing even faster at the start of the new year. After hitting record highs last month, the upward momentum shows no signs of slowing. With AI-driven demand for DRAM expected to remain strong throughout the year, price increases are now projected to extend well beyond the first quarter. NAND flash is following a similar trajectory, although with more moderate gains.

According to the latest memory spot price trend report released by TrendForce on January 18, general-purpose DRAM spot prices jumped by more than 10% in the second week of January (January 7–13), compared with the previous week (December 31, 2025–January 6, 2026).

Among individual products, DDR4 8Gb (1Gx8 eTT) recorded the largest increase, rising 12.26% week over week. Mainstream DDR4 1Gx8 3200MT/s devices climbed 8.14%, while DDR4 2Gx8 3200MT/s parts gained 7.50% over the same period.

TrendForce notes that the continued surge in spot prices is largely driven by sharply rising contract prices. Looking ahead, market forecasts suggest that general-purpose DRAM contract prices in the first quarter could increase by more than 60% compared with the previous quarter. This surge reflects a combination of sustained AI-related demand and seasonal strength from PC and smartphone sales that typically carry over from year-end into early Q1.

In its outlook, TrendForce expects first-quarter DRAM contract prices to rise by approximately 55% to 60% quarter over quarter. The firm also highlights that DRAM manufacturers are prioritizing advanced process nodes and new capacity for server-grade memory and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to meet rapidly growing AI server requirements. As a result, conventional DRAM supply remains tight.

If current trends persist, DRAM prices are likely to set new highs in the first quarter. In December 2025, the average fixed transaction price for PC DRAM mainstream products (DDR4 8Gb 1Gx8) reached USD 9.3, the highest level since TrendForce began tracking prices in June 2016. Expectations for Q1 now point to prices approaching USD 14–15.

NAND flash is also poised for notable growth in the first quarter, though the increase is expected to be less aggressive than DRAM. TrendForce forecasts NAND flash prices to rise by approximately 33% to 38% quarter over quarter, supported by improving demand conditions and ongoing supply discipline.