A class-action lawsuit alleges the three firms, controlling 90% of the global memory market, coordinated production cuts to inflate prices.
Micron Technology, Samsung, and SK hynix are accused of colluding to artificially raise memory chip prices in a new class-action lawsuit filed in California. The three companies dominate 90% of the global market, raising concerns over potential price manipulation amid soaring demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators.
The lawsuit revives memories of a 2002 DRAM price-fixing scandal, where the same firms pleaded guilty. While Micron’s HBM is sold out through 2026, meeting only 50 to 66 percent of demand, critics argue the shortages may stem from genuine supply constraints rather than collusion.
Memory chips have become critical in the AI supply chain, with manufacturers struggling to keep pace despite billions in expansion investments. The case could draw regulatory scrutiny given the firms’ past violations.