SK Group Chairman Warns of High Memory Prices

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won warns of abnormally high memory prices and calls for supply expansion to prevent global chipflation.

During a press briefing at an industry forum, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won characterized current memory semiconductor prices as abnormally high, noting that PC and smartphone manufacturers are passing these costs to consumers. To combat chipflation, Chey emphasized the need for expanded supply, particularly as memory companies have prioritized HBM production over DRAM output. Amidst these market pressures, SK Group is considering building a memory chip plant in the United States. Chey also identified Elon Musk’s interest in establishing a fab as a potential threat to established firms. Meanwhile, the competitive landscape is shifting as Corsair and Lenovo begin sourcing chips from CXMT and YMTC, and Apple seeks Washington's permission to purchase memory from CXMT.