SSD prices set to increase by 50% in 2024 so that NAND Flash suppliers return to profitability

TrendForce's latest report suggests that suppliers of NAND Flash, including Samsung, Kioxia, SK Hynix, and Micron, will see a substantial increase in prices with a potential rise up to 50% in the near term. This price surge is set to significantly impact SSD prices by 2024. The report indicates that these suppliers of NAND Flash are pursuing this strategy in their pursuit of profitability and will persistently hike up prices. "The necessary price jump to reach a break-even point for major manufacturers is anticipated to exceed 40%," says the report. This reveals the current unstable situation in the NAND Flash industry. In the last quarter, the sector's market share was dominated by Samsung with 32.3%, followed by SK Group combining SK Hynix and Solidigm, with 18.6%. Western Digital secured the third position with 16.9%, and Kioxia came fourth with 14.5%, while Micron, after enduring a $2.3 billion loss, stood fifth with a 12.5% share. After slashing their total output by half since September 2023, it's crucial for companies like Samsung to achieve supply-demand equilibrium as it will trigger a price increase for popular SSD models that will persist for some time. As a result, consumers looking to buy new storage solutions and SSDs in early 2024 could see an additional 50% price hike, resulting in potentially paying double the 2022 price. However, this return to profitability is a positive development for the industry as companies can avoid bankruptcy and difficult fiscal choices.