The global technology landscape has entered a volatile phase at the start of 2026. A dramatic surge in memory prices is currently rippling through the industrial chain, leaving manufacturers of high-end display equipment facing unprecedented cost pressures. According to recent reports from industry titans Samsung, Sandisk, and SK Hynix, Q1 DRAM quotations have spiked by 60% to 70% compared to the previous quarter.

For specialized manufacturers like INDISPLAY—a leading producer of interactive flat panels (IFPD), LCD video walls, and smart signage—this "price wave" represents a significant shift in production economics.

The AI Factor: A Structural Imbalance

The primary catalyst for this price explosion is the relentless demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Major chipmakers are reallocating their production capacity toward high-margin AI servers and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This strategic pivot has created a structural shortage in the supply of conventional DRAM chips, which are essential components for the mainboards and OPS computers used in interactive whiteboards.

Rising Costs and Shrinking Margins

In the display sector, the impact is visible and immediate. Historically, storage components accounted for roughly 10%–15% of a device's Bill of Materials (BOM). In the current market, that share has climbed to 18%–25%.

For an industry already struggling with narrow profit margins and uniform competition, these additional costs are difficult to absorb without adjusting end-user prices.

Supply Chain Instability and Production Delays

Beyond the price tag, supply chain reliability is under threat. The "Big Three" (Samsung, Sandisk, SK Hynix), who control nearly 90% of the world's DRAM output, have shifted away from long-term supply agreements. Many are now only offering quarterly contracts to device makers.

For companies like INDISPLAY that specialize in tailored OEM/ODM services, this lack of long-term predictability is a major hurdle. Without a steady flow of DRAM chips, production cycles for customized projects may face delays. As the low-cost inventory buffers of 2025 are depleted, January 2026 stands as a critical month for the industry to adapt or face potential production interruptions