SSDs: Storage manufacturers artificially reduce production again
Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, Western Digital and Kioxia apparently want to ensure higher NAND flash prices again.
(Image: c't)
All major manufacturers of NAND flash components are apparently planning to reduce their memory production to regulate the supply of corresponding chips and ensure higher prices. Among them: Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, Western Digital and Kioxia. This involves a production volume of around ten percent. This could cause the prices of SSDs to rise further.
The market observer Trendforce and the Chinese retailer Smbom are among those reporting on the shortage. According to these reports, manufacturers want to reduce the capacity utilization of their semiconductor plants and delay the switch to new production processes.
New process technology usually reduces the size of memory chips. If a manufacturer delays a process changeover, it produces less than is actually possible. Micron has already confirmed that it intends to invest less money in production (capex) when announcing its latest business figures.
Rollercoaster ride in the SSD industry
Production adjustments are common for memory. However, it is unusual that manufacturers are already taking such measures again: they only ramped up production again in the summer of 2024 following severe shortages. In 2023, prices were at a low point – manufacturers were making billions in losses on production in some cases.
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According to Trendforce, prices for NAND flash components fell by 20 to 25 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the first quarter, market observers expected a further drop of 13 to 18 percent before the production cut. The price reductions for client SSDs are expected to be less drastic and delayed.
In German retail, many SSDs became more expensive after the low point until spring 2024. The prices of some models fell again in mid-2024, while others remained stable. Examples include popular models from Lexar (NM790 2 TByte) (starting from 218,99 €) and Western Digital (WD Black SN850X) (starting from 189,90 €). There is no clear downward trend. Some SSDs have recently become more expensive again.
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