RAM Shortage 2026

At INOVIS Live Automation AG in Switzerland, we place great importance on transparent and forward-looking communication. One key issue that will concern our customers in 2026 and beyond is the RAM shortage predicted for that year.
While this may initially appear to be a typical market shortage, closer inspection reveals it to be a profound structural change in the global memory market, with direct implications for industry, embedded computing, automation, and IT infrastructure.

In this blog post, we will explain the background and the economic and technical causes of the shortage, as well as providing recommendations on how companies can position themselves correctly today.

A historic shift in the storage market

The global DRAM market has been in an exceptional situation since the end of 2025. Demand for memory has exploded, while production capacity has grown slowly. This is particularly evident in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and modern low-power double data rate (LPDDR) variants, which are considered key technologies for artificial intelligence.

Leading memory manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron have therefore focused their investments specifically on these high-performance memory types. At the same time, they have deliberately postponed classic DRAM expansion steps, such as DDR4 and, in some cases, DDR5. This strategic decision has resulted in even proven memory technologies becoming scarce and expensive.

AI as a key price driver

A key factor in the current market situation is the significant growth in the number of AI data centres. Companies such as Nvidia, Google and Microsoft are investing billions in infrastructure requiring enormous storage capacity. These companies are securing long-term production capacities and are willing to pay significantly higher prices than those in traditional consumer markets.

The result is that other segments, including industrial PCs, embedded systems, gateways and controllers, are under pressure. Memory that was once readily available is now either rationed or only offered with long delivery times.

Price trends and supply bottlenecks

DThe economic consequences are clearly visible. DRAM prices have multiplied several times over within a few quarters. DDR5 modules are particularly affected, and DDR4 is also far from cheap, given that many production lines have already been converted.

In addition to rising prices, supply bottlenecks are becoming an increasingly challenging issue.

• Fixed quotas per customer
• Prioritised delivery to major strategic customers
• highly fluctuating delivery times
• Limited predictability for projects

This uncertainty poses a serious risk for companies with long-term product life cycles.

Impact on Industry and Embedded Computing

In industrial environments in particular, RAM components are not mass-produced, interchangeable products. They are qualified and tested, and often form part of stable platforms for many years. The current situation can therefore lead to the following problems:

• Extended project durations
• Necessary redesigns of hardware platforms
• Higher system costs without added functionality
• Shortened availability commitments for individual components.

At INOVIS Live Automation, we believe it is our responsibility to address these risks with our customers at an early stage.

Why isn’t the situation easing up quickly?

Unlike previous storage cycles, market observers expect the current tense situation to continue until at least 2027 or 2028. This is due to the long lead times for new semiconductor factories and the ongoing AI boom.

Even when new plants come online, much of their capacity will be reserved for HBM and specialised memory. Therefore, a return to permanently low DRAM prices is not realistic in the short term.

How INOVIS supports its customers

As a technology partner with strong international connections, INOVIS is exploring various ways to support customers during the RAM shortage in 2026.

• Early demand planning: Joint forecasts and project planning in the early stages
• Flexible platform strategies: Selection of systems with multiple RAM options
• Transparent communication: Open information on roadmaps, availability and risks.
• Lifecycle management: Focus on components with long-term availability.
• Technical consulting: Evaluation of alternative configurations with minimal impact on performance

Our goal is to create stability and planning security, even in a tense market environment.

The RAM shortage in 2026 is not just a short-term market disruption. It reflects a fundamental change in the global semiconductor industry. Companies that plan proactively and build strong partnerships can minimise risks and seize opportunities.

INOVIS Live Automation is a reliable partner for its customers, both now and in the future.

FAQ