Since 2026, global memory chip supply has remained tight amid capacity occupation by AI servers and high-end computing devices. Continuous price hikes of TV-specific storage components including DDR4 and EMMC chips have heavily impacted the TV main board supply chain, bringing notable changes to television production and product pricing.
Industry research shows that the contract price of mainstream 4GB DDR4 chips for 4K TVs has more than quadrupled year-on-year, with a further 60% month-on-month surge in the first quarter of 2026. The proportion of memory chips in overall TV main board material costs has risen from 3% to 7%, becoming a major cost driver second only to display panels, especially for entry-level and mid-range TV models.
As core components of television hardware, pricier memory chips have directly lifted main board manufacturing costs. To ease cost pressures, most TV makers have adjusted production strategies by downgrading storage configurations on low-end products and slowing new product iteration. Small and medium-sized manufacturers with weaker bargaining power face shrinking profit margins, further accelerating industry concentration.
Industry analysts expect the uptrend of memory chip prices to continue in the second half of 2026, sustaining cost pressures on TV main boards. Manufacturers will mitigate risks through circuit design optimization and bulk procurement. Premium smart TVs will absorb cost increases via product premiums, leading to growing structural differentiation across the TV industry.
Post time: Jul-23-2026
