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RAM Shortage to Persist Until 2028, Prices Soar

1/19/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Micron Technology, Inc. warned that the RAM shortage affecting PCs, consoles, and smartphones will persist until new production capacity comes online in 2028.
AI data centers are consuming a significant portion of memory supply, with predictions that they will use up to 70% of global memory production in 2026.
RAM could account for up to 30% of smartphone costs.
Consumers should prepare for elevated prices and limited availability.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. semiconductor industry faced a crisis in 1980 when import restrictions on Japanese products caused domestic production to plummet by 50%. Today, Micron Technology warns that RAM shortages will persist until 2028, driven by a surge in demand from AI data centers, which are expected to consume 70% of global memory production by 2026, highlighting ongoing supply chain challenges.

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Story summary

Micron Technology, Inc. warned that the RAM shortage affecting PCs, consoles, and smartphones will persist until new production capacity comes online in 2028.
AI data centers are consuming a significant portion of memory supply, with predictions that they will use up to 70% of global memory production in 2026.
RAM could account for up to 30% of smartphone costs.
Consumers should prepare for elevated prices and limited availability.

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