Elpida's raising DRAM price did not have a signifcaint impact on the spot market in the first week of 2012 although higher quotes from suppliers amid limited supply continued to provide momentum for a rising pricing trend. However, overall demand for DRAM was not as strong as expected even after the buyers came back from the New Year holidays.

With buyers still holding a wait-and-see attitude, the overall trading volume was small and prices went up only slightly.

As of noon on January 6, spot price of a branded 2Gb DDR3 increased 3% to US$0.99 and a white brand 2Gb DDR3 jumped 6% to US$0.9. Some module makers are optimistic that since 2Gb DDR3 price is coming back to almost US$1 dollar, the upward trend will continue till Chinese New Year.

The performance of the NAND flash spot market remained stable last week. Buyers were reluctant to accept higher quotes and trading was limited. As of noon on January 6, spot price of a 32Gb MLC went up 1% to US$3.3 while 64Gb MLC stayed at US$5.82.