SK Hynix Inc. has dethroned Samsung Electronics Co. as the global leader in DRAM memory chips for the first time, ending Samsung’s 33-year reign in a market essential to computing devices worldwide.
The memory manufacturer secured 36% of global DRAM revenue in the first quarter, edging past Samsung’s 34% share, according to Counterpoint Research data released yesterday. U.S.-based Micron Technology Inc. claimed third position with 25%.
The historic shift stems from SK Hynix’s dominance in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, where it commands approximately 70% market share. These specialized components, created by vertically stacking DRAM chips, have become crucial for artificial intelligence processing.
Samsung’s struggle to maintain leadership follows recent apologies to shareholders for its slow response to surging AI-related demand. The company notably failed to secure orders from Nvidia Corp. for its latest HBM3E memory chips, while SK Hynix became the primary supplier to the AI chip giant.
“This is a milestone for SK Hynix which is successfully delivering on DRAM to a market that continues to show unfettered demand for HBM memory,” said Jeongku Choi, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. “The manufacturing of specialized HBM DRAM chips has been notoriously tricky and those that got it right early on have reaped dividends.”
Market watchers expect SK Hynix to maintain its lead through the second quarter despite global trade tensions. Counterpoint analyst MS Hwang noted that AI demand should keep the segment resilient to economic headwinds in the near term.
Samsung is accelerating its comeback attempt, reportedly moving up approval for HBM4 chip production by six months in hopes of regaining market position.
