Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
AI demand drives sharp rise in SSD contract prices
Contract prices for some SSDs rose 303% in a year as supplies of NAND flash, a type of memory used in drives, tightened.
AI data centers are driving much of the demand, especially for high-capacity storage used to run AI systems.
The figures are for prices paid under supply contracts, not a fourfold rise in every store price.
Manufacturers are giving enterprise customers priority, leaving less production capacity for consumer drives.
New capacity may not meaningfully boost supply until 2027, and manufacturers have already committed much of their output.
Consumers have fewer discounts, while some PC makers are using existing stocks or fitting lower-capacity drives.
NAND contract prices are forecast to rise another 15% to 20% in the fourth quarter of 2026, though the pace may vary by product.
Contract prices for some SSDs have risen 303% in a year as AI data center demand tightens NAND flash supply.
A 256GB TLC SSD contract price reached about $134.20 in the third quarter of 2026, up from $33.30 a year earlier.
Manufacturers are prioritizing enterprise customers, leaving less production capacity for consumer products.
TrendForce forecasts further increases in NAND flash and enterprise SSD contract prices in the fourth quarter of 2026.
New capacity may not meaningfully increase supply until mid-to-late 2027.
- Who
- NAND manufacturers and suppliers, including Samsung, SK hynix, Micron and SanDisk, are affected. Consumers and PC makers are also facing higher costs or tighter supply.
- What
- SSD contract prices have risen sharply amid a NAND flash shortage. Some contract prices increased 303% over the past year.
- When
- The reported price increases cover the year to the third quarter of 2026. Further increases are forecast for the fourth quarter.
- Where
- The article discusses the global NAND flash and SSD market.
- Why
- AI data center demand is increasing demand for NAND flash, particularly for enterprise SSDs, while manufacturers prioritize enterprise customers and supply remains constrained.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The contract price of a 256GB TLC SSD rose from about $33.30 to approximately $134.20.
The price of a 1-terabit TLC NAND component increased by 123%.
TrendForce forecasts NAND flash contract prices to rise 15% to 20% quarter over quarter and enterprise SSD prices to rise 23% to 28%.
New capacity from SK hynix and Micron may begin to meaningfully increase supply.
- 256GB TLC SSD contract price
- About $134.20 in the third quarter of 2026, up from $33.30 a year earlier
- 512GB SSD contract price
- About $252, up from $62.40 over the same period
- NAND flash price forecast
- 15% to 20% quarter-over-quarter increase in the fourth quarter of 2026
- Enterprise SSD price forecast
- 23% to 28% quarter-over-quarter increase in the fourth quarter of 2026
- SK hynix NAND capacity
- Production reportedly allocated through the end of 2026
- SanDisk NAND capacity
- Roughly 30% below its 2022 peak