The global storage chip market has entered an acute shortage phase, with AI demand now decisively outpacing supply and pushing prices toward record territory through 2026 and beyond. According to ICsmart, Reuters, and TrendForce’s January 2026 report, conventional DRAM contract prices are set to rise 55–60% quarter over quarter in the first quarter of 2026, while server DRAM prices are expected to jump more than 60% and NAND Flash 33–38%.