Japan Earthquake Intensifies Kioxia Supply Concerns as SanDisk, Phison Halt NAND Pricing
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on April 21, 2026, triggering immediate concerns for global semiconductor supply chains, particularly for NAND flash memory. The quake, which occurred off Japan’s coast, prompted major manufacturers including Kioxia, SanDisk, and Phison Electronics to assess operational impacts and adjust pricing strategies amid already tight market conditions.
According to TrendForce, Kioxia implemented a brief inspection-related pause at its NAND fabrication facilities following the earthquake, which could lead to short-term supply fluctuations in the tightly balanced NAND market. This development comes as SanDisk announced on April 7, 2026, a NAND price increase of more than 10%, citing tight supply conditions across the wider memory market. Simultaneously, SanDisk extended its Yokkaichi manufacturing joint venture with Kioxia through 2034 to secure long-term supply security.
Phison Electronics reported on March 10, 2026, that NAND prices had jumped by 50% overnight due to outsized demand from the AI industry and severe supply constraints, with the company stating that “both money and inventory are insufficient” to meet current needs. Phison noted that enterprise SSDs now account for 30% of its Q1 2026 revenue, reflecting growing demand from hyperscale AI operators and cloud service providers.
The earthquake also prompted safety assessments at other Japanese semiconductor facilities, including Toshiba’s Nomi City fab in Ishikawa Prefecture, which temporarily halted operations for structural evaluations. However, subsequent clarification confirmed this facility does not produce NAND but focuses on PMIC and logic IC manufacturing.
Indonesian authorities confirmed through the Jakarta Globe that no Indonesian citizens were casualties in the April 2026 Japan earthquake, providing reassurance amid regional concerns. The KBRI Tokyo issued an advisory following the quake, while concerns were raised about potential megathrust and tsunami risks affecting Bali’s tourism resorts, as reported by The Bali Sun.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assured the safety of Japan’s nuclear sites after the strong earthquake, confirming no abnormalities were detected at nuclear power plants.
As the NAND market continues to face pressure from AI-driven demand and supply chain disruptions, industry analysts are closely monitoring how manufacturers balance operational safety with market demands. The combined effects of seismic activity in Japan and ongoing supply constraints suggest continued volatility in NAND pricing and availability through the remainder of 2026.