SLC NAND Price Surge: Global Capacity Gap & Substitution Wave in 2H 2026

As memory giants realign capacity toward high-value advanced processes, mature node capacity faces severe compression. This structural shift has caused severe shortages in legacy chips, compelling industrial and automotive customers to adopt SLC as an alternative amid critical MLC deficits. Under the twin pressures of demand spillover and supply disruptions, SLC prices are expected to witness an explosive, structural rally in 2H, shifting the market dynamics from shipment-driven to price-driven.

Key Highlights

• Structural Capacity Shift: International memory giants have realigned their capital expenditure toward high-value advanced processes, causing severe capacity reduction and stagnation in mature-node storage chips.
• Cross-Category Substitution: Extreme shortages and soaring prices of mainstream chips have forced industrial and automotive clients to substitute with specific alternative chips, exacerbating the supply deficit.
• Robust Niche Demand: Edge computing, advanced networking, automotive electronics, and enterprise servers are booming, constructing an irreplaceable baseline of rigid demand for high-reliability storage.
• Two-Stage Price Surge: Entering the peak season, the third quarter will witness explosive growth due to frozen capacity and order redirection, while the fourth quarter will maintain an upward trajectory as inventories bottom out.
• Supply Chain Strategic Shift: Market value will experience exponential growth, with Taiwanese manufacturers maintaining leadership via certification barriers. Procurement must shift from cost minimization to securing long-term supply agreements.