Rumor
NAND Manufacturers Not at Full Capacity Despite Rapid Expansion
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 03:50 AM
A supply chain watcher claims that NAND flash manufacturers are generally not operating at full production capacity. Despite this, the production expansion pace of Samsung, YMTC, and Kioxia is noted to be fast.
Context
NAND flash manufacturers like Samsung Electronics and Kioxia are navigating a complex market with varied capacity utilization. Samsung saw its V8 NAND line utilization rebound to approximately 80% in Q3 2025, up from 60-70% in Q2, primarily driven by surging AI demand for high-capacity enterprise SSDs. However, the company has reportedly delayed the full-scale rollout of its V9 QLC NAND to at least 1H 2026 due to design flaws, indicating challenges in advanced technology adoption.
Meanwhile, Kioxia and other major players are considering reducing output and investments in standard 3D NAND. This strategic shift is a response to weaker-than-expected demand and a delayed PC/mobile replacement cycle, now anticipated in 2H 2025. The market is experiencing a divergence, with strong demand for AI infrastructure leading to projected price increases of 5-10% in Q4 2025 for high-capacity NAND. The broader NAND market, valued at $25.5 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2025, continues to adjust as manufacturers balance technological advancements with fluctuating demand across different product categories.
Sources (8)
[News] Samsung Reportedly Boosts V8 NAND Line ...[News] Samsung Reportedly Delays V9 QLC NAND to ...Samsung's NAND utilization rate reportedly reaches 90%Industry considers cutting production of 3D NAND amid ...NAND Flash Market Outlook 2025-2032Samsung Begins Industry's First Mass Production of QLC ...Navigating the NAND Market Key Storage Trends for 2025 | ODGNAND Market Trends | Report [2034] - Industry Research
Related Companies
Samsung Electronics
005930
Kioxia
285A