According to DigiTimes, citing industry sources, Samsung is considering increasing the price of its own-brand SSDs. The research does not specify a specific dollar amount or percentage increase, but it does claim that Samsung appears to be moving in the opposite direction of other SSD vendors. 

Samsung's NAND flash manufacturing facility in Xi'an had been placed on lockdown due to an increase of COVID-19 cases in the city. Samsung maintains two NAND fabrication facilities in the city; the first began operations in 2014, and the second began operations in early 2020. They account for 42% of the company's flash production. Samsung previously stated that it intended to operate the fabs at full capacity, but has now stated that it is making revisions to comply with the government's COVID-19 limits. This means that a supply shortage could have an effect on the greatest SSDs that we all know and love.

Samsung acknowledged in a statement that it has opted to temporarily alter operations at its production facility in Xi'an, China. "This decision was made in keeping with our ongoing commitment to preserving the health and safety of our employees and partners." Regrettably, Samsung is evasive regarding the extent to which its operations will be impacted.

The business continued by stating that it would relocate manufacturing to other locations across the world to offset any deficits caused by the Xian shutdowns. Samsung states that these interim restrictions will have no effect on customers. While Samsung's language is somewhat consoling, the reality is that Xi'an accounts for more than 40% of the company's NAND flash production. Additionally, Samsung controls 15% of global NAND flash output, according to TrendForce.

Samsung Likely to Increase Prices SSD Lineup in Q1 2022