Chinese NAND flash manufacturer Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC) reportedly aims to overtake Samsung and SK hynix by the end of 2027, challenging the South Korean companies’ longstanding lead in memory production. The ambition matters because it signals China’s push for greater technological self-sufficiency in a strategically important component market, despite export controls and competitive pressure.

YMTC has expanded rapidly in 3D NAND technology, which is used in SSDs and other storage products, and has previously claimed notable advances in layer counts and manufacturing efficiency. However, surpassing Samsung and SK hynix would require major gains in production capacity, customer adoption and access to advanced equipment, while both rivals continue investing heavily in next-generation memory.