SK hynix has sold out almost all of its HBM memory to be released in 2026

At SK hynix’s annual shareholders meeting this week, CEO Kwak Noh-jung said the company’s negotiations with customers to sell HBM memory in 2026 were close to completion. According to The Register, the CEO’s statement was taken as a sign that, like last year, SK hynix will sell off its entire HBM output for the year ahead.

The event announced that there has been a surge in orders for HBM supplies in recent weeks as companies seek to secure contracts before the US is expected to increase tariffs on imported semiconductors. Recall that in February, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors at a level of 25% or more, adding that they could rise to 50% or even 100% within a year.

Image source: SK hynix

Kwak also told shareholders that SK hynix expects “explosive” growth in HBM sales. When asked whether DeepSeek’s relatively small computing power to train its AI models poses a threat to the company’s plans, the SK hynix CEO said the Chinese startup’s achievements will spur wider adoption of AI, which will lead to even greater demand for SK hynix products from more customers.

That has become a near-standard response from executives at companies that provide equipment to handle AI workloads when asked whether there is a “price bubble” forming in the AI ​​market and what might happen if it bursts, The Register noted.

Last week, the company said it had shipped the first samples of 12-layer HBM4 memory to customers, noting that “the samples were delivered ahead of schedule” and that it “intends to complete preparations for mass production of 12-layer HBM4 products in the second half of the year.”