SK Hynix to Double Memory Wafer Capacity Over 5 Years as AI Chip Shortage Persists
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 2
SK Hynix to Double Memory Wafer Capacity Over 5 Years as AI Chip Shortage Persists
8 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 2
SK Hynix plans to double memory chip wafer capacity over the next five years, marking a major supply expansion aimed at easing a global crunch in AI-critical memory.
Taipei remarks from Chairman Chey Tae-won framed the move as a response to an endemic storage-chip deficit that he said could last until 2030.
The Korean chipmaker is already ramping up spending to address the demand-supply imbalance, though Chey did not disclose a capital-expenditure figure.
The expansion underscores how AI demand is straining memory supply chains and pushing major producers toward longer-term capacity buildouts.
As chipmakers race to double capacity for AI, could this massive investment lead to a historic market crash if demand falters?
With AI consuming 70% of memory chips, will industries like automotive and defense face a permanent supply crisis?
With Korea, the US, and India all building mega-fabs, who will ultimately win the global semiconductor supremacy race by 2030?
The 2026 Global Memory Chip Shortage: How AI Demand and SK Hynix’s $12.8B Expansion Are Reshaping the Industry
Overview
SK Hynix is responding to the ongoing global memory chip shortage, especially in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI, by announcing at Computex 2026 a plan to double its wafer capacity by 2031. This move aims to secure its dominant 58% share of the HBM market and strengthen its role as a key supplier for Nvidia’s next-generation AI systems. By focusing on stable wafer supply and expanding partnerships, SK Hynix is positioning itself to meet the rising demand from AI applications and maintain its leadership in the rapidly changing memory industry.