Global Hardware Crunch Hits Tech
Sony has suspended sales of nearly all SD card models amid a global RAM shortage, and analysts warn component bottlenecks are driving price pressure across devices and subscriptions. The squeeze—driven by chip shortages, energy costs and geopolitical shocks—means buyers and tech services customers will likely scrutinize budgets harder. (mashable.com) (indianexpress.com)
Sony’s March 27 product notice lists specific SKUs pulled from order books, including CFexpress Type A cards CEA‑G1920T/CEA‑G960T/CEA‑G480T/CEA‑G240T and SD models SF‑G256T/SF‑G128T/SF‑G64T among others. (sony.jp) The suspension was issued to authorized dealers and Sony Store customers in Japan and the company said it will monitor supply before announcing any resumption of order acceptance. (digitalcameraworld.com) Micron publicly announced on December 3, 2025 that it would exit its Crucial consumer business to reallocate DRAM and NAND capacity toward high‑bandwidth memory and enterprise products for AI data centers. (cnbc.com) Industry analysts estimate AI and hyperscaler buildouts now consume the bulk of newer memory output, with some trade analyses putting AI-related DRAM demand at roughly 70% of available production. (tech-insider.org) Hard‑drive and NAND markets are already seeing sharp price moves: PCWorld reported near‑50% HDD price jumps over five months, and market analyses show DRAM/NAND contract pricing up about 20% in recent quarters. (pcworld.com) (tech-insider.org) Western Digital told investors its HDD manufacturing capacity for calendar 2026 is largely sold out and that enterprise/hyperscaler orders now account for the vast majority of supply commitments. (tomshardware.com) Market research firms including IDC and regional outlets warn the memory squeeze could persist into 2027, forcing device makers to trim specs or lift prices across smartphones, consoles and subscription‑tied services that rely on higher hardware and data‑center costs. (idc.com) (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
