As reported on FT:
The AI investment rush has driven up the cost of memory chips and other components. “Literally everything” in the consumer electronics category is affected by the shortages, said MS Hwang, research director at the market research firm Counterpoint.
DRam prices have increased fivefold over the past year and as a consequence manufacturers and retailers are raising prices by up to 20 per cent.
These shortages are expected to last through to 2027.
The consequences for camera manufacturers are clear: either they must raise their prices significantly or delay the launch of new products. Fujifilm, for example, delayed the launch of the X-T6 for exactly that reason. I suspect that other companies, such as Panasonic, will also have to postpone some of their camera launches. I don’t think raising camera prices is a viable option for them.
I fear that the next 12 months will be quite a mess for all camera manufacturers.