Critical Materials & Supply Chain▲impact 4
Memory Module Makers Warn of DRAM Shortage, Supply-Demand Imbalance May Last Until First Half of 2027
Memory module maker Apacer Technology recently warned that the world's three major DRAM manufacturers are channeling almost all new capacity into AI products such as HBM, server DDR5, and LPDDR5X, while the allocation of chips for standard DDR5, DDR4, and the industrial control market continues to shrink. The supply-demand imbalance is unlikely to ease in the short term. Based on the manufacturers' supply plans, the amount of DRAM available to module makers will keep declining, prices will keep rising, and the imbalance may persist at least until the first half of 2027. Currently, over 70 percent of the three major manufacturers' new capacity is directed toward AI products. Multiple institutions and companies predict that as long as AI investment shows no clear signs of cooling, this situation of high prices and tight supply will last at least until the first half of 2027. On the same day, the General Principles for Cost Accounting Models in the Photovoltaic Industry was officially released. By unifying the cost calculation scope, coefficients, and models across the entire polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module supply chain, it establishes a cost accounting framework that spans the whole industry chain, guiding the sector from price-driven to value-driven competition. In addition, total aluminum inventories at the London Metal Exchange fell to 271,275 tonnes, the lowest level this century, equivalent to less than one day of global aluminum consumption. This highlights the structural vulnerability of market supply, and industry insiders believe the low inventory will further support the strong trend in global aluminum prices.