Memory Chip Sales Projected to Top $2 Trillion by 2030 as AI Demand Surges

Oct 8, 03:16 PM UTCBullishHigh impact

MU$1,035.84 −4.79%SSNLF$140.00 114.69%SKHY$170.50 −4.35%LRCX$320.59 −2.71%AMAT$509.57 −2.13%

Global memory chip sales are projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, capturing more than half of all worldwide semiconductor sales. Industry forecasts show memory sales reaching $937 billion in 2026, a 327% increase from $220 billion in 2025. This surge is primarily driven by higher prices, with average selling prices climbing 222% in the second quarter of 2026 while unit shipments grew 50%.

This rapid growth is significantly boosting major chipmakers. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $54.23 billion, up from $11.32 billion a year earlier. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (OTC:SSNLF) also projected record third-quarter revenue of 195 trillion won, or about $146 billion. Additionally, the boom is driving manufacturing equipment demand, with spending on memory chipmaking tools expected to rise 46% to $61 billion in 2026, benefiting suppliers like Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) and Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT).

Looking ahead, memory sales are expected to grow 50% to $1.4 trillion in 2027 before growth slows to 8.7% in 2028. Investors should also monitor price momentum; monthly DRAM price growth moderated to 6% in August from 31% in February, though tight capacity and artificial intelligence demand are expected to keep prices high.

Key points

Global memory chip sales are projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2030, up from an estimated $937 billion in 2026.
In the second quarter of 2026, memory chip sales surged 384% year-over-year, driven by a 222% increase in average selling prices.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) saw fiscal fourth-quarter revenue climb to $54.23 billion from $11.32 billion a year prior.
Memory manufacturing equipment spending is projected to rise 46% to $61 billion in 2026, boosting suppliers like Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX).
Monthly DRAM price growth slowed to 6% in August from 31% in February, but tight capacity is expected to keep prices elevated.

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Questions and answers

What is the growth forecast for the memory chip market by 2030?

Global memory chip sales are projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2030, representing about 2.6 times the sales of the entire semiconductor industry in 2025.

How did rising prices impact memory chip sales in 2026?

Memory chip sales in the second quarter of 2026 jumped 384% year-over-year, largely driven by a 222% increase in average selling prices, while unit shipments rose 50%.

Which equipment makers are expected to benefit from memory chip growth?

Rising investments in memory manufacturing equipment, projected to reach $61 billion in 2026, are expected to benefit suppliers Lam Research Corporation and Applied Materials, Inc.