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

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/memory-chip-sales-projected-to-top-2-trillion-by-2030-as-ai-demand-surges-e8a1b0
- Published: 2026-10-08T15:16:43Z
- Category: technology; sentiment: bullish; impact: high
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:MU](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-MU), [OTC:SSNLF](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/OTC-SSNLF), [NASDAQ:SKHY](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-SKHY), [NASDAQ:LRCX](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-LRCX), [NASDAQ:AMAT](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-AMAT)
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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.

## 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.