In a remarkable display of rapid expansion, Chinese memory chip manufacturer Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has secured a significant 10% share of the global DRAM market in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest report from market research firm Counterpoint Research. This achievement marks a substantial 150% year-over-year increase from the 4% share held in the same period last year, and a 25% sequential jump from the 8% recorded in the first quarter. This impressive growth trajectory positions CXMT as the fastest-expanding supplier in the worldwide DRAM market.
Market Dynamics Shift
While Samsung Electronics continues to lead the pack with a dominant 39% market share, the competitive landscape is evolving. SK Hynix saw its market share decrease from 39% to 26% year-over-year, though it still managed a significant 214% increase in quarterly revenue. Micron holds the third position with a 25% share. Notably, the combined market share of these three major players has seen a reduction, falling from 94% to 87%. Nanya Technology has also shown progress, doubling its share from 1% to 2%.
The overall DRAM market experienced robust growth in the second quarter, with a 57% quarter-over-quarter increase and a staggering 385% year-over-year surge in revenue, according to Counterpoint’s data. This indicates a strong demand environment for memory solutions.
HBM Market and CXMT’s Future
In the specialized High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) market, SK Hynix remains the frontrunner with a 50% share, albeit down from 64% last year. Samsung Electronics follows with 33%, and Micron ranks third with 18%. The current HBM market revenue is primarily driven by HBM3E products, with HBM4 shipments expected to gain traction in the latter half of 2026.
CXMT is not yet a significant player in the HBM market, having recently initiated risk production for HBM3E. Its revenue contribution from HBM is anticipated to materialize within the next one to two quarters. However, the company’s overall DRAM growth is exceptionally noteworthy. Having started with less than 1% market share in 2023, CXMT has achieved a double-digit share in approximately three years, outpacing earlier forecasts from Counterpoint and UBS by about two years.
Capacity Expansion on the Horizon
Looking ahead, CXMT has ambitious plans for capacity expansion. The company projects its monthly DRAM production capacity to increase to between 300,000 and 350,000 wafers by the end of 2026. This aggressive scaling suggests a continued focus on capturing a larger share of the global memory market.
CXMT’s rapid ascent highlights the dynamic nature of the semiconductor industry and the increasing competition from emerging players. The company’s strategic investments and technological advancements appear to be paying off, positioning it as a key contender in the global DRAM supply chain.
The DRAM market is experiencing significant growth, and CXMT’s rapid market share expansion is a testament to its strategic execution and increasing technological capabilities.
