SK Hynix CEO Warns Memory Chip Shortage Could Extend Beyond 2030

SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung stated that the current shortage of memory chips affecting markets for computers, automobiles, and various devices could persist beyond 2030. He noted that customers are actively signing long-term supply contracts, reflecting a widespread market expectation that the shortage will last for an extended period. Major memory chipmakers—including SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Micron Technology—are benefiting from surging demand driven by artificial intelligence development, particularly as massive investments in data centers boost demand for both conventional memory and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Strong demand has intensified supply constraints, leading to chip shortages across the computer, smartphone, and automotive industries. According to Kwak, both the company's analysis and customer feedback indicate that memory chip supply will struggle to meet demand over the next several years.