Samsung, Kingston reportedly raise DRAM contract pric

Josephine Lien, Taipei; Jessie Shen, DIGITIMES [Monday 7 January 2013]

Samsung Electronics and memory module firms, including Kingston Technology, have raised their quotes for 4GB DRAM modules, according to industry sources. Contract prices for PC DRAM modules will likely be pushed up further prior to Lunar New Year in February, the sources indicated.

Samsung recently raised prices for 4GB DRAM parts to between US$17 and US$17.50, while Kingston also lifted its quotes to more than US$20, the sources revealed.

PC OEMs have to accept higher module prices, amid concerns that sluggish growth in chip output may lead to an undersupply, the sources said. With upstream chip producers holding limited inventories, the suppliers as well as dedicated module makers have gained more bargaining chips when negotiating prices, the sources pointed out.

DRAM contract prices fell to US$14-14.50 earlier in 2012, with quotes for corresponding chips slipping to as low as US$0.70, the sources observed. However, prices have rebounded since late 2012.

Accoding to DRAMeXchange, late December quotes for 4GB DDR3 modules averaged US$15.75 with prices for 2Gb chips reaching US$0.83. Spot prices for 2Gb DDR3 have stayed at between US$1 and US$1.10 for several weeks.