TAIPEI – The NAND Flash industry will continue to face dual pressure from weak demand and oversupply in 2025, according to the latest research from TrendForce. In response, manufacturers including Micron, Kioxia/SanDisk, Samsung, and SK hynix/Solidigm have similar plans to cut production – a move that could accelerate industry consolidation in the long term.

TrendForce reports that NAND Flash manufacturers are primarily implementing production cuts by lowering utilization rates and delaying process upgrades. These actions are driven by three major factors:

Firstly, core consumer electronics like smartphones and notebooks continue to suffer from sluggish shipments. Additionally, slowing corporate IT investments are dampening growth in enterprise SSD demand.

Secondly, NAND Flash prices have been in decline since 3Q24, and suppliers remain pessimistic about demand in the first half of 2025. The prolonged price weakness risks further eroding profit margins, thereby compelling manufacturers to reduce output.

Lastly, Chinese suppliers are aggressively expanding production thanks to domestic substitution policies, intensifying global market competition.

TrendForce points out that several NAND Flash manufacturers are implementing production cuts to address market challenges. Micron has already announced its plans, while Kioxia and its partner SanDisk are also preparing similar measures. These two companies—heavily reliant on NAND Flash products without the balancing revenue of DRAM businesses—are expected to experience a greater financial impact from reductions compared to their competitors.

Samsung, despite maintaining leadership in enterprise SSDs and other sectors, faces mounting inventory pressures due to intensifying competition in the Chinese market and its ongoing transition to new technologies. The company has also announced plans to reduce production this year.

SK hynix (including Solidigm), though performing strongly in the enterprise SSD segment in 2024, has not been immune to the broader demand slump, necessitating adjustments to its production strategy.

TrendForce notes that while short-term production cuts may help stabilize prices and alleviate pressure from oversupply, rising prices could also increase costs for downstream manufacturers, potentially dampening consumer demand.

In the long term, production reductions may accelerate industry consolidation, posing exit risks for less competitive players. To maintain viability, manufacturers need to intensify efforts in technological innovation and product differentiation, enhancing their competitive edge and tapping into niche markets.

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