Memory Surge Pushes Semiconductor Revenue to a Record $319 Billion in Q1 2026

Omdia says global semiconductor revenue reached $319 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 27% from the prior quarter, with memory contributing the biggest share of that expansion. DRAM and NAND revenue nearly doubled sequentially, and together they represented more than 40% of total semiconductor revenue, well above their longer-term average share. NAND was a particularly strong driver. Omdia said NAND revenue came in at just under $48 billion, rising 96% quarter over quarter, while NAND average selling prices climbed 95%. The report attributes that strength to ongoing AI and data center demand combined with supply constraints, technology transitions, yield-learning issues, and product-mix challenges that are slowing supply recovery. For memory buyers and market watchers, the key takeaway is that pricing momentum is still being driven more by constrained availability than by normal seasonal patterns. Omdia expects growth to continue in the second quarter of 2026, suggesting memory prices could remain firm or move higher if supply conditions do not ease.