Quick answer: China's CXMT now has about 10% of the world's DRAM sales. That is up from 4% a year ago. Samsung is still first with 38%. SK Hynix has 25% and Micron has 24%.
This guide explains what DRAM is, who makes it, and why CXMT's rise matters. The numbers come from Counterpoint Research and cover the second quarter of 2026. It was updated in October 2026.
1. Quick Facts
These are the DRAM sales shares for the second quarter of 2026. Share here means a part of the total money earned, not a part of the number of chips.
- Samsung: 38%
- SK Hynix: 25%
- Micron: 24%
- CXMT: 10%
Other trackers can show slightly different numbers.
2. What Is DRAM?
DRAM is the short-term working memory of a device. It is what people often call RAM. Your computer, phone, and the servers behind the internet all use it.
When you open many apps at once, DRAM holds the data those apps need right now.
3. Who Is CXMT?
CXMT stands for ChangXin Memory Technologies. It is a Chinese company that makes DRAM. Reports say it is the first Chinese DRAM maker to pass 10% of the world market.
Its growth has been fast. Reports say its share was below 1% in 2023, 4% in the second quarter of 2025, and 8% in the first quarter of 2026.
4. How the Numbers Changed in One Year
Here is the share in the second quarter of 2025, and the second quarter of 2026.
- Samsung: 33% to 38%
- SK Hynix: 39% to 25%
- Micron: 22% to 24%
- CXMT: 4% to 10%
SK Hynix lost the most. CXMT gained the most.
5. Why Did CXMT Grow So Fast?
Reports point to strong demand for DDR5 memory and phone memory. DDR5 is the newer type of memory used in many computers.
The whole DRAM market also grew very fast in this quarter. Reports say sales rose about 57% from the quarter before. So CXMT's share rose partly because it sold more, and partly because memory prices were very high.
6. Why Did SK Hynix Lose Share?
Reports say SK Hynix put much of its focus on HBM. HBM is a special, fast memory used in AI chips. SK Hynix still leads in HBM with about 50%. Samsung is next with about 33%.
The HBM numbers list only the three big makers, so CXMT is not part of that chart.
7. What Is CXMT Doing Next?
In October 2026, CXMT shared progress on a new memory design called 4F². It aims to fit more memory in the same space, which may lower cost. CXMT plans to use it first in server memory by the end of 2026.
The product is not on sale yet. CXMT still has to finish tests and win approval from customers. Counterpoint's analysts say 15% is a share level to watch.
8. What Does This Mean for Buyers?
More makers can mean more supply and more choice over time. But nobody can say when RAM prices will fall. Prices today depend a lot on demand from AI.
- If you need RAM or a laptop now: buy what fits your budget and your work
- If you can wait: watch the price trend before you decide
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the biggest DRAM maker?
Samsung. It had about 38% of DRAM sales in the second quarter of 2026.
What is CXMT?
It is ChangXin Memory Technologies, a Chinese DRAM maker.
Is CXMT bigger than Micron?
No. CXMT has about 10% and Micron has about 24%.
Will RAM get cheaper because of CXMT?
Nobody knows yet. More supply could help, but AI demand keeps prices high for now.
What is HBM?
HBM is a fast type of memory used in AI chips. SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron make it.
Final Thoughts
CXMT's rise is a big change for the memory market. For a long time, three companies held almost all of it. Now a fourth one is close to 10%. But the big three still lead, and CXMT still has to prove it can win large customers.
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