This was reported by bank holding company Mizuho Financial Group, citing industry estimates.
Against the backdrop of the conflict, the company is putting key sites, including the plant in Pyeongtaek, into equipment protection mode. According to sources, it is conducting “planned cooling” of lines there to avoid damage in the event of a production stoppage.
Risk to the global memory market
Samsung is the largest producer of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) in the world. Any shutdown could hit the global supply of memory chips, especially amid rising demand from the artificial intelligence industry.
The company is already reshaping production, with High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips being prioritized for use in AI systems, including products from Nvidia-level customers.
Samsung shares fall
Negotiations with the union have reached an impasse. Workers are demanding 15% of operating profits, as well as the removal of restrictions on bonuses.
Samsung management tried to reduce tension and held meetings with the union leaders, but the parties have not yet been able to reach an agreement.
Investors have already reacted: Samsung shares fell by 8.6%. Analysts warn that even a short production shutdown could cause shortages and a rise in DRAM and NAND prices.
Competitors SK hynix and Micron Technology, which are able to partially cover the possible deficit, may benefit.
If the strike starts and drags on, the industry could face disruptions that would be felt for weeks even after the strike ends: restarting the lines requires a lengthy reconfiguration of the equipment.
