Higher SSD prices for more profit: Samsung and SK Hynix rumored to cut NAND production

SSDs might get considerably more expensive in the coming months (Image sources: Samsung Memory)

Memory and SSDs have already become significantly more expensive over the past months, but the worst could still be to come. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly planning to reduce NAND production to shift capacities to more profitable business areas, namely DRAM production.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 01/20/2026 🇩🇪

Storage

Since AI companies such as OpenAI claim a big share of global DRAM production for themselves, memory prices have massively increased over the past months. SSDs have not been spared from this price surge either. The Samsung 990 Pro with 1TB of storage currently costs $199 on Amazon compared to $90 back in October according to Camelcamelcamel.

This trend could continue, as Chosun Biz claims that both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are planning to reduce production of NAND flash by 4.5% and 10.5%, respectively. For context, these two companies currently account for more than 60% of global NAND production. Since demand is expected to rise even further while supply declines, this would inevitably lead to more significant price hikes.

The reason for this cut in NAND production is certainly not a lack of buyers. It’s simply more profitable to convert the relevant fabs in order to manufacture RAM for Nvidia’s Vera Rubin graphics chips for AI data centers. Even if NAND prices continue to rise, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix assume that DRAM production will be more profitable in 2026 and 2027. It will take time until competitors such as China’s YMTC can compensate for this loss of supply, so price drops in the SSD and RAM segment are not expected before 2028.

Source(s)

Chosun Biz | Samsung Memory (teaser)

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19680 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6144 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 01 > Higher SSD prices for more profit: Samsung and SK Hynix rumored to cut NAND production

Hannes Brecher, 2026-01-20 (Update: 2026-01-20)

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