Sony announces suspension of CFexpress and SD memory card sales due to shortages

Sony Japan has announced the suspension of select CFexpress and SD memory cards due to global semiconductor shortages. The cards also appear out of stock on the US website, suggesting the suspension is widespread, if not global. The suspension affects camera owners who need compatible cards for upcoming work, such as weddings and other photo/video shoots.

The global semiconductor shortage is due in part to the huge demand that new AI data centers have for CPUs, GPUs, and memory chips. The shortage has already affected the prices of computers, game consoles, and other electronics. Additionally, the past month has seen increased conflict in the Middle East, directly affecting oil, natural gas, and helium production and prices.

This double whammy is forcing semiconductor producers to prioritize chip production for their best clients and most critical components, while reevaluating whether they can even break even after steep increases in production and shipping energy costs.

The affected cards are:

• CFexpress Type A Memory Card - CEA-G1920T, CEA-G960T, CEA-G480T, CEA-G240T
• CFexpress Type B Memory Card - CEB-G480T, CEB-G240T
• SDXC/SDHC Memory Card - SF-G256T, SF-G128T, SF-G64T, SF-M512T, SF-M256T, SF-M128T, SF-E256, SF-E128A, SF-E64A

Readers who need a CFexpress or SD memory card for upcoming work can buy from remaining Sony stock on Amazon or purchase from a different brand.