Chinese memory manufacturer YMTC has set an aggressive goal to become the top supplier of NAND flash memory by the end of 2027, overtaking current leaders Samsung and SK hynix. The company currently holds a 13% market share, according to Counterpoint Research, while Samsung leads with 29%.
To achieve this, YMTC is expanding production capacity by building two new foundries and completing a third already under construction, more than doubling its wafer output. The move comes as NAND flash revenue surged to $46 billion in Q1 2026, driven by AI data center demand and rising storage costs.
YMTC has also made inroads into consumer SSDs, reportedly supplying components for Lenovo laptops. Meanwhile, another Chinese firm, CXMT, is targeting the DRAM market with a 7% share. Analysts warn that even with increased supply, demand may outpace growth, prolonging the ongoing memory shortage.
Samsung has already warned of a severe supply crisis next year, suggesting relief may not arrive quickly.
