NAND memory prices in the first quarter of 2027 are now forecast to rise 15% quarter on quarter, compared to a previous prediction of flat growth. TrendForce updated its blended price outlook for 3Q26 to 21% and 4Q26 to 17%, versus prior estimates of 18% and 2%, respectively. Demand for enterprise SSDs from U.S. cloud service providers nearly doubled prior projections to support the scaling of AI infrastructure.

Inventory at U.S. hyperscalers was about 14 weeks in July, down from a 15 week normal, and will fall further by 4Q26. Global supply maintains disciplined bit growth of 15% in 2025, 21% in 2026, and 20% in 2027. Enterprise demand for AI-related eSSDs is outpacing the consumer market, benefiting producers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.