Chinese NAND flash manufacturer YMTC anticipates that the global memory shortage will persist for another three years. According to an anonymous employee cited by The Wire China, this outlook suggests the supply constraints could continue until late 2029.
The company has already implemented price increases for its chips and is shifting production capacity toward higher-margin products. While YMTC is currently working to double its wafer output through the construction of new fabrication facilities, this strategic pivot may reduce the supply available for consumer SSDs.
Market data from Counterpoint Research for the second quarter places YMTC fourth in NAND bit shipments with a 14% market share, though the company ranks fifth in revenue. This discrepancy highlights the manufacturer's current focus on consumer-grade applications.
The three-year forecast from the YMTC source contrasts with estimates from industry analysts at TrendForce, who expect NAND flash supply to stabilize in the second half of 2027. However, the prediction aligns more closely with recent comments from Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra regarding tight supply through 2028.
