Q1 2021 global DRAM memory industry revenue increased by 8.7% QoQ
The first quarter of each year was originally a low season for computer sales, but the demand for remote office and education in the current environment is very large. Therefore, the PC sales in the first quarter of this year are very strong, which also drives the sales of various accessories. Including DRAM memory, in addition, the demand for cloud servers is gradually picking up. Mobile phone brands are actively increasing the purchase of components and other factors. The price of DRAM memory began to reverse in the first quarter, and the volume and price of DRAM increased in the first quarter. The total output value reached $19.2 billion, an 8.7% growth QoQ.
According to TrendForce’s statistics, in the first quarter of 2021, the revenues of the three DRAM OEMs Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron increased by 8.5%, 6.9%, and 9.6% respectively, and their market share has not changed much. It is expected that this market share will still be maintained in the second quarter. The average price of DRAM in this quarter has risen between 0 and 5%. Different manufacturers have different degrees of process conversion, so there are some differences in profit. Samsung is in the early stage of 1Z nm mass production and the yield rate is low, so operating profit fell from 36% in Q4 last year to 34%; SK Hynix’s profit increased from 26% in the previous quarter to 29% due to an increase in the yield rate. %; Micron rose from 21% to 26%.
It is expected that in the second quarter, the demand for DRAM for PC memory, video memory, mobile phones, and consumer electronics products will grow steadily. The average unit price of memory will increase significantly, coupled with the continuous growth of shipments, the overall quarterly growth of DRAM output may exceed 20%.