Big Chip Makers Got Bigger in 2018
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Taiwan − The global mobile DRAM market grew 11 percent in the second quarter, reaching $3.0 billion, according to DRAMeXchange, a division of global market research firm TrendForce. Mobile DRAM accounts for 34 percent of the total DRAM revenue.
Although Samsung continued to lead the pack with more than 50 percent market share, SK Hynix, ranked No. 2, tallied the largest revenue growth with a 30 percent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase thanks to strong mobile phone demand in China, along with stable orders from top-tier makers, said DRAMeXchange. The company's market share grew from four percent in the previous quarter to 25.7 percent. Smartphone shipments grew 7 percent QoQ in the second quarter, totaling 222.7 million units, according to the market researcher.
Meanwhile, Samsung's mobile division, which was supplied by its own mobile memory, has started to buy mobile DRAM from SK Hynix and Elpida to ensure steady supply, reported DRAMeXchange. The market researcher doesn't think it's a bad move − although it will impact Samsung's market share in the short term − because it frees up a portion of its mobile DRAM capacity for more flexible product line adjustments. Samsung still garners twice as much market share as SK Hynix.
However, the biggest change in the supply chain is yet to come when Micron and Elpida merge. With only three major DRAM manufacturers in the market, DRAMeXchange expects prices to stabilize, while forcing suppliers to focus on process technology for a competitive edge.
However, Micron's mobile DRAM market share is low at 3.4 percent in the second quarter, while Elpida's mobile memory revenue increased by 15.9 percent QoQ, driving its market share to 19.3 percent. DRAMeXchange expects Elpida's mobile DRAM revenue to continue to increase due to higher demand, rising prices, and Rexchip's mobile memory production. Mobile DRAM is expected to account for more than 20 percent of the "new" Micron's total revenue.
Rounding out the top five mobile DRAM producers are Winbond and Nanya. Winbond's mobile memory revenue increased by 5.6 percent QoQ, accounting for 13 percent of the manufacturer’s total revenue. Global market share is pegged at one percent.
Nanya's global market share increased to 0.3 percent. The company is ramping 30nm mobile DRAM production now that it won't receive 30nm wafers from Inotera starting in October.
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