Chinese memory makers are closing the gap with Samsung and SK Hynix
Reuters reports that China's DRAM and flash memory producers are quickly gaining share, a growing risk for South Korean chipmakers and the KOSPI index.
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what happened
Reuters writes that South Korea's chip industry, which makes up around 40% of the country's exports, faces growing pressure from China. The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association estimates that CXMT trails the leaders by about two years in DRAM and three years in HBM, while the flash gap is just one year.
According to Counterpoint, CXMT's share of DRAM shipments is expected to rise from 8% last year to 11% in 2028. Analysts believe memory makers need at least 15% of the market to stay viable.
why it matters
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together account for roughly half of the KOSPI's market capitalization, so long-term competition affects the whole index. Demand for AI memory remains strong for now, while Chinese firms focus on less advanced segments.
market impact
Samsung, SK Hynix and KOSPI: rising Chinese rivals add long-term pressure on market share
- Samsung Electronics mixed — strong AI memory demand supports prices, but competition from China is rising
- SK Hynix mixed — HBM leadership protects its position, yet CXMT is narrowing the DRAM gap
instruments
sources
- Seoul's worst China tech fears are coming true — Reuters, 28 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
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