Trend Enterprise SSD shortages and AI devices are driving a premium upswing in Korean ICT equipment

Summary

KIET expects telecommunications and computing equipment to keep growing on the spread of AI devices and demand for premium products, although weaker demand for traditional IT devices is a drag. Surging storage demand for AI and data centres has left enterprise SSDs in short supply. Higher-specification SSDs, rising memory prices and the shift toward AI-embedded and foldable premium phones and PCs keep product prices climbing. Smartphone and PC production continues to diversify from China toward Vietnam and India, expanding the ASEAN share of supply. High memory and SSD prices dampen global smartphone and PC demand, yet Korean premium phones and core components are expected to see higher exports. The institute expects SSDs, where Korean firms are globally competitive, to contribute heavily to export growth.