Lawsuit alleges that RAM manufacturers are colluding to drive up prices
A lawsuit filed against major RAM manufacturers alleges they have been colluding to artificially raise prices of memory chips. The suit claims the companies coordinated supply reductions and shared pricing information to inflate costs for consumers, violating antitrust laws.
Background
- The three major DRAM (memory chip) manufacturers — Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron — control over 90% of the global market for RAM used in PCs, servers, and smartphones.
- A new class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. accuses these companies of illegally colluding to restrict supply and fix prices, a practice that would violate antitrust laws if proven.
- This is not the first time the DRAM industry has faced such allegations: the same three companies were fined over $700 million in the late 2000s for a similar price-fixing conspiracy.
- Plaintiffs point to suspiciously synchronized production cuts and price increases that followed a COVID-era demand spike, despite high profit margins and manufacturing costs reportedly declining.
- If the suit succeeds, it could mean refunds for consumers and businesses who bought devices or RAM upgrades during the alleged conspiracy period.