Flash memory prices have risen sharply this week in the wake of Japan’s worst earthquake since records began.

But major Japanese suppliers (such as Toshiba, who supply 30% of the world’s Flash memory) have said factories producing these chips were largely unaffected by the temblor, nor are they in areas where blackouts will force production to stop. While it appears by their statements that the memory markets are overreacting to the earthquake, analysts say that the price increases may highlight a graver issue for the global chip industry: damage to Japanese component and material suppliers vital to chip production.

Despite the disruption we continue to take and fulfill branded USB Memory Stick orders but our recommendation to all clients is to check with your USB-FlashDrive account manager (sales@usb-flashdrive.co.uk) for up-to-date memory stick prices before placing orders.

We will continue to keep you updated.

More importantly our thoughts are with all those families affected by this terrible disaster.

Chris Love

Managing Director
USB-FlashDrive