AI-driven 'chipflation' puts chill on electronics purchases

SemiconductorsMemory prices are up sixfold, with smartphone, computer sales to fall by 200m unitsForecasts show prices are likely to continue rising for memory chips and the devices they are used in, leading to a decline in electronics sales. (Source photos: Nikkei)Nikkei staff writersJuly 14, 2026 07:36 JSTPALO ALTO, California/TOKYO -- Surging memory chip prices amid booming artificial intelligence investment are lifting consumer electronics prices, dragging down shipment of the devices by record levels.