Memory chip shortage may drive smartphone price increases, Egyptian official warns

Mohamed Talaat, head of Egypt's communications division, said prices could rise if the global memory chip shortage continues, after a 50% jump in March.

• In March 2026, smartphone prices in Egypt rose up to 50% due to higher shipping, production, and energy costs.
• SK Hynix warned that the global memory chip market faces a major supply shortage, with the crisis expected to peak in 2027 and continue through 2030.
• Omdia forecast a 12% year-on-year decline in global smartphone shipments in 2026, with devices priced under $400 dropping over 22%.
• Talaat stated that phone models already in the market would not be affected by potential price increases.