DRAM Price Trends in Q3 2025: Addressing Rising Costs of DDR4, DDR5, and HBM

The DRAM market entered a critical turning point in the third quarter of 2025. As global suppliers accelerated the phase-out of DDR4, a severe supply-demand imbalance drove prices sharply higher. At the same time, DDR5 and HBM also faced rising costs due to rapid adoption and increasing geopolitical pressures.

DDR4 Phase-Out Fuels Price Increases in Q3

In the third quarter of 2025, DDR4 memory continued its exit from the market. Major manufacturers including Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix have either stopped or are in the process of stopping DDR4 production:

Samsung ceased accepting DDR4 orders in June 2025, with final shipments scheduled for December.
Micron has issued end-of-life notices and plans to complete its final DDR4 deliveries in the first quarter of 2026.
SK hynix is expected to discontinue DDR4 shipments in April 2026.

Although a small number of regional suppliers, such as CXMT and Nanya Technology, continue to produce DDR4, their limited capacity is insufficient to meet global demand—particularly in data centers, industrial automation, and legacy embedded systems. With lead times extending to as long as 16 weeks, DDR4 prices are rising rapidly.

DDR5 and HBM Enter an Upward Pricing Cycle

Despite being the successor to DDR4, DDR5 is not immune to price increases. According to TrendForce, DDR5 prices are expected to rise by 3% to 8% in the third quarter of 2025. LPDDR5X prices are also projected to increase by 5% to 10%, driven by accelerated adoption from smartphone and automotive OEMs.

Meanwhile, HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), which is critical for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, faces the most significant pressure. Constrained supply combined with surging AI demand is expected to push HBM prices up by 15% to 20%.

Tariffs Intensify Cost Pressures

Beginning August 1, 2025, the United States is expected to impose a 25% import tariff on DRAM components originating from South Korea and Japan. This has triggered a global rush to secure inventory, as buyers attempt to stockpile memory products before tariffs drive up landed costs.

As a result, all DRAM categories—including DDR5—are experiencing additional supply strain and heightened pricing pressure.

Representative DRAM Components Affected

M393A4K40EB3-CWEBY
MTA36ASF8G72PZ-3G2F1
H5AN8G6NDJR-XNCR
K4A8G165WC-BCTD
K4Z80325BC-HC14
MT40A1G16TB-062E IT:F
MT42L128M32D1TK-25 AAT:A

Staying Ahead

DRAM price volatility is expected to continue into the fourth quarter, making proactive planning essential. Organizations that secure supply early and optimize memory transition strategies will be better positioned to manage cost increases and avoid disruptions.

A comprehensive industry report titled “The Sunset of DDR4 and the Rise of DDR5: Navigating the DRAM Market Transformation in 2025” provides deeper insights into market dynamics, pricing trends, and strategic considerations.