Q2 2026 IT Component Update: Memory holds at record highs as storage prices rise 20-30% per month
Enterprise Storage prices are rising 20–30% per month. Memory is stable - but at record highs. Here is what procurement teams need to know before Q4 2026.
Executive Summary
- Global memory demand from AI and datacentre applications has outpaced supply since H1 2026, driving prices to sustained highs with no near-term relief.
- Enterprise Storage is experiencing monthly price increases of 20–30%, with mechanical hard drives under acute constraint particularly at sub-24TB capacities.
- Specialist markets including Industrial, Defence, Rugged, and Embedded supply chains face compounding pressure from both component scarcity and extended lead times.
- Procurement teams that do not revalidate quotes regularly and pre-purchase high-risk components are exposing their projects to significant cost and schedule overruns.