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Sony Suspends Orders for Most SD and CFexpress Memory Cards Amid Global Semiconductor Shortage

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Sony Temporarily Suspends Orders for Most SD and CFexpress Memory Cards Due to AI-Driven Semiconductor Shortage

Sony has announced the temporary suspension of orders for the majority of its SD and CFexpress memory card product lines, effective March 27, 2026. The company attributes this decision to a global semiconductor shortage, primarily driven by increased demand from AI datacenters, and states that supply is not anticipated to meet demand for the foreseeable future. This marks the first instance of a major camera media manufacturer implementing such a widespread suspension in response to ongoing flash storage constraints.

Order Suspension Details

Sony halted the acceptance of orders from authorized dealers and Sony Stores on March 27, 2026. The notice was published on Sony Japan's website.

The company has stated it will monitor the supply situation before announcing any resumption of order acceptance and has not provided a specific timeline for when normal stock levels are expected to resume.

The suspension impacts a broad range of memory cards, including:

  • CFexpress Type A TOUGH cards: All four capacities from 240GB to 1,920GB (CEA-G240T, CEA-G480T, CEA-G960T, CEA-G1920T).
  • CFexpress Type B TOUGH cards: 240GB and 480GB capacities.
  • SDXC/SDHC cards: This includes SF-G series (64GB, 128GB, 256GB TOUGH-branded), SF-M series (128GB, 256GB, 512GB standard V60 speed), and SF-E series (64GB, 128GB, 256GB V30 speed) models.

Only the 960GB CFexpress Type B card and certain entry-level SF-UZ series UHS-I SD cards remain unaffected by the suspension. The SF-UZ series UHS-I SD cards have been largely discontinued in some markets, such as the United States.

Causes of the Shortage

The primary factor cited for the suspension is the global shortage of semiconductors and other components. This scarcity is largely attributed to the escalating demand from AI datacenters, which are consuming a significant portion of the finite supply of component dies used in solid-state memory, including NAND flash, DRAM, and HBM. Enterprise companies engaged in building AI infrastructure are acquiring these components at scale, which limits their availability for other products.

Additional factors contributing to the supply chain strain include:

  • Potential shortages of helium, a resource critical for certain chipmaking processes.
  • Rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions, which affect key resources and increase manufacturing and shipping expenses for semiconductor production.

Market observers have noted significant price increases in the memory sector, with NAND flash prices projected to increase by approximately 60 percent in Q1 2026. SSD prices have reportedly doubled or tripled since late 2025. This broader trend is also evidenced by Western Digital's report that its storage capacity for 2026 is already sold out. Sony's decision to halt sales rather than solely increase prices suggests a significant depletion of component supply.

Impact and Market Context

The suspension of memory card orders has implications for the professional imaging community, including photographers and videographers who rely on high-speed, compatible storage for events and productions. CFexpress Type A cards, for example, are essential for high-performance recording in Sony's Alpha and Cinema Line camera systems, such as the FX3, FX6, FX30, a7S III, a1, a1 II, and a9 III, supporting features like 4K at high frame rates or 120fps RAW burst shooting. Reliance on slower SD card slots can restrict recording capabilities, potentially leading to delays, increased costs, or equipment compromises for professionals.

Sony's memory card suspension coincides with a broader impact of the memory crisis across its product divisions. The company also announced a price increase of $100/€100 for PlayStation 5 consoles, effective April 2, 2026. This decision allows Sony to allocate available memory resources to other products, which some reports indicate are more profitable.

Alternatives and Future Outlook

While Sony-branded memory cards are subject to the suspension, existing inventory may still be available through third-party retailers. Professionals requiring CFexpress Type A media may also consider options from other manufacturers, such as Angelbird, ProGrade Digital, and Wise Advanced. However, these manufacturers source flash components from the same global supply chain and may also face supply pressures. It remains uncertain whether other major memory card brands will implement similar suspensions or significant price increases.

Sony has not provided a timeline for resuming memory card production, stating it will monitor the supply situation and provide updates on its product information page.