The global semiconductor industry is once again facing a significant memory shortage, creating challenges for electronics manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals.
This Procurement Pro webinar, sponsored by Smith, will explore the causes of the current shortage, how long it is expected to last, and what organisations can do to mitigate supply risk. Designed for both technical and sourcing audiences, the session will combine market insight with practical guidance to help companies navigate an increasingly constrained component landscape.
One of the primary drivers behind the shortage is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. AI servers and accelerators require large volumes of specialised high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which delivers significantly greater performance than traditional DRAM. However, HBM is far more complex to manufacture and consumes more production capacity per unit than standard memory. As a result, major memory manufacturers are prioritising HBM production to meet demand from hyperscalers and AI hardware providers.
This shift is reducing the availability of conventional DRAM and NAND used in many embedded systems, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. At the same time, memory suppliers reduced production during the recent downturn in the semiconductor cycle, meaning the industry now faces limited inventory just as demand is rising again. With only a few companies responsible for the majority of global memory production, these changes have had a significant impact on supply and pricing.
During this webinar, industry experts will break down the key factors driving the shortage, provide insight into how long supply constraints may persist, and explain the implications for electronics design and sourcing teams. The session will also offer practical strategies to help organisations navigate the current market, including improving supply visibility, considering alternative components, and strengthening collaboration between engineering and procurement teams.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the evolving memory market and actionable insights to help them prepare for continued volatility in the semiconductor supply chain.
Sponsored by Smith:
Founded in 1984, Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components. Smith's Intelligent Distribution™ model offers a comprehensive suite of flexible and scalable supply chain solutions to source, manage, test, and ship billions of components to partners worldwide in every industry and vertical. The company is backed by more than 25 certifications and accreditations and has developed and implemented sustainable practices that exceed industry and regulatory requirements. Building on its decades of market data, cutting-edge technology, and a systems-based approach to quality excellence, Smith generated more than $3.4 billion in global revenue in 2025 and ranks eighth among all global distributors. Visit www.smithweb.com to learn more.
