DRAM spot prices have surged over 10% recently due in part to efforts by chip suppliers including Hynix Semiconductor and Micron Technology to defend their prices on the spot market, according to industry sources. Additionally, DRAM module makers have also landed some short lead-time orders recently, supporting price rallies on the spot market.
Given that inventories on the spot market have gradually been cleared out and the effects of production cutbacks by Hynix and Micron will begin to be realized in early 2012, most DRAM makers such as Nanya Technology have begun to raise their quotes instead of accepting low-priced orders, explained the sources.
Hynix has kept its 2Gb DDR3 chips at US$0.7 but also has bargained with clients to push the price to US$0.85, while Micron reportedly has lifted its offers for comparable chips to US$0.9, indicated the sources.
Although DRAM chipmakers are eyeing the current price rally to push the prices of 2Gb DDR3 chips to US$1, resistance will mount when price reaches US$0.9, the sources asserted.