The DRAM market is entering a critical inflection point in Q3 2025. As global suppliers accelerate the phase-out of DDR4, the supply-demand imbalance is sending prices soaring—while DDR5 and HBM also see rising costs amid adoption surges and geopolitical pressures.
DDR4 Phase-Out Fuels Q3 Price Hikes
In Q3 2025, DDR4 continues its sunset phase. Major manufacturers like Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix have either stopped or are in the process of halting DDR4 production:
- Samsung ceased DDR4 orders in June 2025, with final shipments by December.
- Micron has issued EOL notices, planning to fulfill last DDR4 deliveries by Q1 2026.
- SK hynix will end DDR4 shipments by April 2026.
While a few regional suppliers like CXMT and Nanya continue DDR4 production, their limited capacity can’t meet global demand—particularly for data centers, industrial automation, and embedded legacy systems. With lead times stretching to 16 weeks, DDR4 prices are rising fast.
DDR5 and HBM Enter the Price Uplift Cycle
Despite being the successor to DDR4, DDR5 is not immune to price hikes. According to TrendForce, DDR5 prices are projected to increase 3–8% in Q3 2025. LPDDR5X is set to climb 5–10%, with smartphone and automotive OEMs pushing next-gen adoption.
Meanwhile, HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory)—essential for AI and high-performance computing—is facing the steepest climb: prices are forecast to jump 15–20%, driven by constrained supply and surging AI demand.
Tariffs Accelerate Upward Pressure
Starting August 1, 2025, new 25% U.S. import tariffs on DRAM components from South Korea and Japan are expected to take effect. This has triggered a global inventory rush, as buyers try to secure stock before tariffs inflate landed costs. The result: heightened pressure across all DRAM categories, including DDR5.
Partnering with Ample Solutions
Navigating these shifts requires more than just market awareness—it demands a trusted sourcing partner. Ample Solutions supports global OEMs with agile procurement, strategic DRAM allocation, and a proven record in quality assurance. From hard-to-source DDR4 to next-gen DDR5 and HBM modules, we help our clients stay ahead of market disruptions.
- Samsung M393A4K40EB3-CWEBY
- Micron MTA36ASF8G72PZ-3G2F1
- SK hynix H5AN8G6NDJR-XNCR
- Samsung K4A8G165WC-BCTD
- Samsung K4Z80325BC-HC14
- Micron MT40A1G16TB-062E IT:F
- Micron MT42L128M32D1TK-25 AAT:A
🎯 Stay Ahead of the Curve
With DRAM volatility expected to continue into Q4, now is the time to act.
- 👉 Connect with the Ample Solutions team to secure DDR4 inventory or optimize your DDR5 migration plan.
- 📘 Download the full eBook: DDR4 Sunset, DDR5 Surge: Navigating the DRAM Market Shift in 2025.
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