# Memory prices stay high for years

> Industry expert says flash storage costs won't drop until 2029
- Title: Memory prices stay high for years · Digital Camera World
- Summary: Industry expert says flash storage costs won't drop until 2029 Memory card prices will stay high for 2-3 years with a small drop possible by late 2027
- Keywords: nand flash, memory cards, cfexpress, ai data centers, hbm, storage crisis, digital camera world, angelbird, roman rabitsch, 2026, 2027, 2029
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/memory-cards/memory-prices-to-remain-stubbornly-high-for-years-says-industry-expert
- Published: 2026-09-24T00:24:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nand flash, memory cards, cfexpress, ai data centers, hbm, storage crisis, digital camera world, angelbird, roman rabitsch, 2026, 2027, 2029
## Why memory prices rose
Solid state storage prices jumped in 2026 as NAND flash shortages hit phones and games consoles.
## The storage crisis started
During COVID, memory was sold at a loss to clear stock while demand was low.
## AI demand shifted production
AI data centers now use high bandwidth memory, diverting manufacturers from camera storage.
## Why prices won't drop soon
Memory factories are booked until 2029-2030, so prices stay high for years.
## When might prices fall?
A small price drop of 2-5% could happen by late 2027, but not soon.
## Should you panic buy?
Rabitsch says no need to panic buy now as prices may stay stable for 2-3 years.
## Key takeaway

Memory card prices will stay high for 2-3 years with a small drop possible by late 2027