The situation surrounding global memory prices is clearly escalating. Prices are skyrocketing, and some brands, such as Micron, are deciding to freeze prices for the next few years in order to maximize profits.
In fact, Micron is one of three manufacturers targeted by a class-action lawsuit, along with Samsung and SK Hynix. In a California federal court, these companies are being accused by 14 individuals of colluding to restrict the supply and set prices of memory worldwide. Together, these multinationals account for more than 90% of the global market.
The complaint alleges that Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron halted production of consumer-grade memory at the same time to focus on the growing demand from the AI sector. Micron is also under scrutiny for discontinuing its Crucial line and exacerbating the shortage for consumers.
In 2005, Samsung and SK Hynix pleaded guilty in a similar case involving a DRAM price-fixing cartel. At that time, they paid a $700 million fine. If internal communications related to a new cartel are discovered, the three companies could face heavy setbacks.
