Samsung Electronics is rapidly increasing its share in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, a key component for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, as it closes in on the leading position held by SK hynix. With the market transitioning from the HBM3E to the next-generation HBM4, Samsung's expansion of HBM4 supply is emerging as a critical factor in the future market landscape.
According to global market research firm Counterpoint Research, SK hynix maintained its leading position in the global HBM market with a 50% share in revenue for the second quarter of this year. However, this is a decline of 14 percentage points compared to the same period last year, when it held a 64% share.
In contrast, Samsung's market share has surged significantly. The company's HBM share rose from 15% in the second quarter of last year to 23% in the third quarter, 22% in the fourth quarter, and then jumped to 21% in the first quarter of this year, reaching 33% in the second quarter. This marks a 12 percentage point increase in just one quarter.
As a result, the gap between SK hynix and Samsung's market shares is narrowing quickly. Last year, the difference was 49 percentage points in the second quarter, but it has shrunk to 37 percentage points in the first quarter of this year and 17 percentage points in the second quarter. Micron remains in third place with an 18% share in the second quarter.
Samsung's rebound in market share signals that its previously lagging HBM business is getting back on track. The company had ceded leadership to SK hynix due to delays in expanding HBM3E supply in the early AI semiconductor market, but it is now increasing shipments as it regains product competitiveness.
The transition to the new HBM generation is expected to provide Samsung with additional opportunities to expand its market share. Currently, most of the HBM market revenue comes from HBM3E, but HBM4 shipments are anticipated to significantly impact performance starting in the second half of this year.
In February, Samsung began mass production of HBM4, becoming the first in the industry to do so. In May, it also shipped the first HBM4E 12-layer samples. SK hynix plans to supply HBM4E samples in the second half of the year, aiming to begin mass production in 2007.
Counterpoint Research also forecasts that as Samsung ramps up HBM4 shipments, its market share in the HBM sector will gradually increase. The firm has previously noted the potential for Samsung to expand its position in the market with the supply of HBM4.
However, SK hynix still holds half of the overall HBM market and maintains its lead. The company is expanding HBM4 production based on its established customer base in the HBM3E market and aims to retain its leadership position by also addressing the next-generation HBM4E.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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