SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung warned that the global memory industry will face the worst supply shortage in history by 2027, with demand outstripping supply even after capacity expansion beyond 2030. The warning came on the company's Nasdaq debut day, where shares closed up 13.3% at $168.85. This forecast from a major memory maker signals that AI and computing demand will drive long-term memory tightness, potentially raising hardware costs and impacting the entire tech industry. As a leading player, SK Hynix's outlook carries significant weight for supply chain planning. SK Hynix reported a record operating profit of 47 trillion won ($31 billion) in 2025, with Q2 2026 expected to rise further to 65.5 trillion won. The company is considering overseas fab locations in the US, Japan, or Southeast Asia, prioritizing regions with cost advantages in land, power, and labor.
Background
Memory chips, including DRAM and NAND flash, are critical components in computers and electronic devices. Fabs (fabrication plants) produce these chips on silicon wafers, which are then cut into individual dies. With surging demand from AI and cloud computing, new fab construction takes years, leading to potential supply-demand imbalances that the CEO warns could peak in 2027.