HBM Memory Gold Rush: Why High-Bandwidth Memory Prices Are Soaring in the AI Era
HBM revenues are projected to double from $17–18 billion in 2024 to $34–35 billion in 2025, driven by AI demand. NVIDIA consumes over half of all HBM output, with nearly all 2025 supply already sold under contract. SK hynix, Samsung, and Micron are expanding production, but spot HBM remains scarce and expensive. HBM prices have risen up to 10% in 2024–25, sharply increasing AI system costs.