SK Hynix Leads in DRAM Revenue, Dominates High-Bandwidth Memory Market
14 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://technews.tw/2025/04/09/sk-hynix-lead-for-first-time-ever-in-dram/
According to Counterpoint Research's Q1 2025 memory tracking report, SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung Electronics for the first time, capturing a market share of 36% and leading global DRAM revenue. The company anticipates this growth in both revenues and market share will continue at least through next quarter.
Charts illustrate that SK Hynix assumed leadership within the DRAM sector during Q1 2025, securing a 36% market share; Samsung followed closely with 34%, while Micron held 25%. The remaining 5% was accounted for by other companies. This shift in dominance was largely driven by SK Hynix’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which commands an impressive 70% of the market.
“This is a milestone for SK Hynix, demonstrating their ability to successfully supply DRAM and respond effectively to strong demand for HBM,” stated Senior Analyst Jeongku Choi from Counterpoint Research. “The product possesses significant technical barriers, and companies that established early success are now beginning to see substantial rewards.”
Research Director MS Hwang noted the current global focus on tariff impacts but believes short-term trade shocks will have limited effect due to continued robust AI demand; furthermore, final products utilizing these chips—AI servers—transcend national boundaries.
Counterpoint Research expects minimal changes in DRAM market share across product categories and vendors from Q1 2025 into the next quarter. Long-term risks remain tied to structural challenges stemming from trade shocks that could lead to economic recessions or depressions, potentially impacting HBM growth markets.
While tariffs have not yet targeted semiconductors directly, supply chains upstream of products like smartphones remain vulnerable and indirectly affected by potential disruptions; India’s efforts to become a new global semiconductor hub are prompting many companies to initiate local investments. However, due to lengthy construction cycles, high capital requirements, and technical barriers, short-term results remain uncertain.
Peter Richardson from Counterpoint Research suggested that impacts on semiconductors may not be apparent for another quarter, depending upon current inventory levels.
Looking ahead, price increases across a range of products—from iPhones to SUVs—appear inevitable; therefore, tech and automotive executives should prioritize innovation in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), autonomous driving technologies, and next-generation chipsets. For policymakers, tariffs may serve as negotiation tools, but inflationary pressures could necessitate short-term policy adjustments.
Charts illustrate that SK Hynix assumed leadership within the DRAM sector during Q1 2025, securing a 36% market share; Samsung followed closely with 34%, while Micron held 25%. The remaining 5% was accounted for by other companies. This shift in dominance was largely driven by SK Hynix’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which commands an impressive 70% of the market.
“This is a milestone for SK Hynix, demonstrating their ability to successfully supply DRAM and respond effectively to strong demand for HBM,” stated Senior Analyst Jeongku Choi from Counterpoint Research. “The product possesses significant technical barriers, and companies that established early success are now beginning to see substantial rewards.”
Research Director MS Hwang noted the current global focus on tariff impacts but believes short-term trade shocks will have limited effect due to continued robust AI demand; furthermore, final products utilizing these chips—AI servers—transcend national boundaries.
Counterpoint Research expects minimal changes in DRAM market share across product categories and vendors from Q1 2025 into the next quarter. Long-term risks remain tied to structural challenges stemming from trade shocks that could lead to economic recessions or depressions, potentially impacting HBM growth markets.
While tariffs have not yet targeted semiconductors directly, supply chains upstream of products like smartphones remain vulnerable and indirectly affected by potential disruptions; India’s efforts to become a new global semiconductor hub are prompting many companies to initiate local investments. However, due to lengthy construction cycles, high capital requirements, and technical barriers, short-term results remain uncertain.
Peter Richardson from Counterpoint Research suggested that impacts on semiconductors may not be apparent for another quarter, depending upon current inventory levels.
Looking ahead, price increases across a range of products—from iPhones to SUVs—appear inevitable; therefore, tech and automotive executives should prioritize innovation in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), autonomous driving technologies, and next-generation chipsets. For policymakers, tariffs may serve as negotiation tools, but inflationary pressures could necessitate short-term policy adjustments.