Hardware Podcasts

EMS & The Economist: How AI Data Centers Are Reshaping Memory Prices And Supply with Shawn DuBravac

EMS@C-LEVEL · 27 Apr 2026 · 21m

What this episode covers

Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of the Global Electronics Association, explains how AI data centers are creating a 'memory squeeze' by consuming scarce semiconductor resources and driving up prices, even when availability remains stable. He discusses the inflationary impact of the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz tensions on energy and shipping costs, noting a divergence where AI and defense sectors remain strong while consumer electronics faces headwinds from reduced discretionary spending. DuBravac also highlights the structural shift in global trade, driven by tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, which is causing lasting momentum in supply chain reconfiguration and increased manufacturing investment in the US and Europe.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Global Electronics Association
Also
Taiwan, Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Europe, US, China, Germany, Sweden

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