Samsung locks up most memory capacity for big tech (HBM spot prices surge) - Trendforce

Samsung has allocated roughly 70% of its memory production capacity through 2031 to long-term agreements with NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google. Spot HBM prices have moved sharply higher (HBM3E 36GB \~$2,100, several times LTA levels, HBM4 16-stack \~$3,500). DRAM export unit prices rose notably even as volumes fell. Samsung is weighing conversion of a foundry line to memory. SK Hynix is looking at more Korean capacity and a possible Japan JV. Lower early HBM4 yields are tightening supply further. This shows that HBM and memory tightness continues to constrain AI accelerator ramps for the biggest hyperscalers customers and supports pricing power for the memory makers imo. I would watch for actual capacity conversion decisions, HBM4 yield progress, and any more updates on customer allocation.