January 30, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — Samsung Electronics said on Wednesday that a surge in artificial intelligence-related demand is expected to further tighten global chip supply, with memory shortages likely to persist in the coming years.

The company said strong demand for memory used in AI servers and high-performance computing is supporting its core semiconductor business but is also putting pressure on industry-wide supply. Samsung expects capacity expansion to remain limited through 2026 and 2027 as chipmakers take a cautious approach to new investments.

“We expect the tight supply environment for memory products to continue for some time,” Kim Jaejune, an executive vice president in Samsung’s memory business, told analysts during an earnings call.

Samsung reported a more than twofold increase in fourth-quarter operating profit, reaching 20 trillion won, supported by higher memory prices. Revenue for the October–December period rose 24% from a year earlier to 93.8 trillion won, in line with market expectations.

Rising memory prices, however, are weighing on Samsung’s smartphone and display operations, which rely heavily on chips sourced both internally and from external suppliers. Analysts said higher component costs could pressure margins in the company’s mobile business, even as its semiconductor division benefits from stronger pricing.

Samsung’s mobile unit said it plans to work closely with key partners to stabilize supply and improve efficiency to limit downside risks. Co-CEO TM Roh described the current chip shortage as “unprecedented” and said the company may consider price adjustments if cost pressures persist.