According to the latest report from research firm Bernstein, as of August 2026, global semiconductor revenue has witnessed a staggering 119% year-on-year surge. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to the escalating prices of memory chips, which alone account for approximately 80% of the revenue increase. Over the first eight months of 2026, global semiconductor revenue soared from $477 billion to $1.043 trillion, with the memory segment contributing an extra $443 billion in sales. This expansion was predominantly driven by price hikes, with rising memory chip prices contributing $379 billion, while the increase in shipment volumes only accounted for $64 billion. The report highlights that memory chip contract prices experienced a nearly 20% quarter-on-quarter rise in the third quarter of 2026. Furthermore, it is anticipated that supply shortages will continue until 2027, although the likelihood of substantial future price increases may wane over time.
