Mature NAND process capacity is shifting to high-layer 3D NAND, causing a significant shortage of MLC NAND and forcing industrial, automotive, and networking clients to migrate to SLC NAND. Demand for SLC NAND is accelerating in AI edge computing, data centers, and automotive electronics, while major suppliers have no plans for new production capacity. This structural undersupply is expected to drive SLC NAND contract prices up by 120–170% in the second half of 2026 compared to the first half.
SLC NAND supply is structurally tightening due to capacity reallocation and surging AI edge/datacenter demand, forcing price hikes and customer migration.