Tech giants are facing inflation caused by artificial intelligence. Spending on AI infrastructure is rising, and over the next few years, companies will invest several trillion dollars in data centers and components. The reason is not only the investment of hyperscanners like Microsoft and Meta, but also the sharp rise in prices for chips, memory, and other equipment. TSMC plans to invest a record $56 billion, and Musk is considering building his own plant for $55-119 billion.

"Chipping" has hit not only the AI sector, but also smartphone, game console, and PC manufacturers - they can’t get enough components because suppliers prioritize the more profitable AI market. Microsoft expects that rising component prices will increase annual capital costs by $25 billion to $190 billion. Meta has raised its spending forecast by $10 billion.

The combined spending on various memory types in 2026 will be around 30% (2024 was 8%). Consumer electronics manufacturers are forced to either increase prices, reduce performance, or suffer a decline in profits. With new factories taking years to build, inflationary pressure from AI will last.