Early July contract prices for 2GB and 4GB DDR3 memory modules declined another 7% following about 6% decreases in late June. Prices have come near the low levels reached during the previous industry downturn, the price tracker observed.
As chip producers are under growing pressure to clear out their inventories, PC OEMs have gained more bargaining power when negotiating prices.
In addition, DRAM inventory at PC OEMs had piled up earlier in the second quarter, which thus discouraged them to place orders starting June. But the average inventory level at PC OEMs has slid to 4-6 weeks after recent corrections.
Contract prices for late July may continue to fall as OEM clients remain reluctant to place orders.
Early July contract prices for 2GB and 4GB DDR3 modules averaged US$16 and US$31, respectively, down 7.25% and 7.46%. Prices for corresponding 1Gb and 2Gb chips were US$0.84 and US$1.78, respectively.