RAM Price Hike Crisis Worsens as US Threatens 100% Tariffs

Memory chip prices have been climbing steadily, and 2026 has begun with alarming news for PC buyers and tech enthusiasts. The US government is now threatening to impose a 100% tariff on imported memory chips, a move that could send laptop, PC, and server prices skyrocketing. This escalation comes as Washington pushes major manufacturers to expand production within the United States.

Why the US Is Targeting Memory Chip Manufacturers

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently warned leading memory chip makers that they face a tough choice: either build production facilities in the US or pay an eye-watering 100% tariff on imports. His statement highlighted a growing industrial policy aimed at reducing dependence on Asian manufacturing, particularly from South Korea and Taiwan. Companies such as SK Hynix and Samsung are the primary targets of this potential tariff action.

“Everyone who wants to build memory has two choices: They can pay a 100% tariff, or they can build in America,” Lutnick said, underscoring the seriousness of the government’s approach. For consumers, this could mean a sharp increase in memory prices if manufacturers opt to continue exporting chips from Asia rather than expanding local production.

How Tariffs Could Impact Consumers

A 100% tariff effectively doubles the cost of imported memory chips. For the average PC buyer, this could translate into laptops, desktops, and servers costing hundreds more than they already do. Recent months have seen price hikes due to supply chain issues, rising demand for gaming and AI-ready computers, and a shortage of key components. Introducing a massive tariff would only intensify the strain on consumers.

Industry analysts note that SK Hynix and Samsung currently assemble and package some memory chips in the US, but most production remains overseas. Without new investment in American manufacturing plants, imported chips could face punitive tariffs, creating a ripple effect through the electronics market.

Micron Expands US Production Amid Pressure

While SK Hynix and Samsung weigh their options, US-based Micron is ramping up domestic production. Lutnick made his statement at the groundbreaking of a $100 billion multi-foundry complex in New York, part of Micron’s $200 billion plan to expand memory chip manufacturing across the United States. These investments are intended to boost local supply, reduce dependency on Asia, and avoid potential tariff costs.

This move reflects a broader push by the US government to encourage domestic semiconductor production. By incentivizing local manufacturing, policymakers hope to secure supply chains, create jobs, and reduce exposure to global market fluctuations.

What This Means for the Tech Market

If SK Hynix and Samsung choose not to expand US production, a 100% tariff could make imported RAM prohibitively expensive. Consumers might face higher prices across gaming PCs, workstations, and cloud server components. On the other hand, increased domestic production could stabilize supply and reduce long-term price pressures—but this is a solution that will take years to fully implement.

For now, the RAM market faces uncertainty. Buyers may need to plan for potential cost spikes, especially for high-performance components like DDR5 memory used in gaming and AI-ready systems. Tech enthusiasts and businesses alike will be watching closely to see whether tariffs are implemented or manufacturers accelerate investment in US production.

A Market in Flux

The memory chip industry is at a crossroads. Trade policy, industrial investment, and consumer demand are colliding in a way that could reshape the global PC market. For consumers, the takeaway is clear: RAM prices are unlikely to stabilize anytime soon, and new tariffs could make an already costly component even more expensive.