X-bit Labs says DRAM customers are accusing DRAM makers of artificial price fixing. While demand for desktop DRAM memory is shrinking, prices have recently increased as manufacturers cut down production in 2012.
“It is quite strange that the global memory chip market is seeing unexpected price rises amid less demand for conventional personal computers. It is highly possible that the chipmakers are engaged in price-fixing,” an executive of a South Korean electronics firm told the Korea Times web-site.
There are currently three big suppliers of DRAM: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix Semiconductor as well as Micron Technology which already controls shipments of Elpida Memory as it finalizes the acquisition of the company. All three suppliers have reduced production of DRAM to stabilize pricing, which increased contract prices of DRAM by 35% since November, according to DRAMeXchange market tracking firm. However, Micron is facing the most significant critics from the South Korean clients.
