August 4, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — SK Hynix surpassed Samsung Electronics in memory revenue for the first time in the second quarter of 2025, as soaring demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) driven by artificial intelligence reshapes the competitive landscape of the global memory market.

According to a tracking report from Counterpoint Research, SK Hynix posted memory sales of 21.8 trillion won in the quarter, slightly ahead of Samsung’s 21.2 trillion won, which includes both DRAM and NAND products. SK Hynix also outperformed Samsung in operating profits, benefiting from its strong position in HBM and close partnership with NVIDIA.

Samsung’s HBM shipment share dropped sharply from 41% in the same period last year to just 17% in Q2 2025. Export restrictions to China have limited its distribution channels and hampered its competitiveness in the AI-driven memory segment.

In contrast, SK Hynix and Micron expanded their HBM shipments to AI chipmakers, gaining momentum as Samsung lost ground. While Samsung's HBM revenue showed signs of recovery in Q2 after bottoming out in Q1, analyst Jeongku Choi of Counterpoint noted that regaining market share will require diversification of its HBM3E customer base and passing NVIDIA’s rigorous qualification processes.