Due to oversupply easing on March 17, 2021, 11:37 Why it matters: According to a new report, the effects of Samsung temporarily closing its fab in Austin, Texas, will soon be felt across the chip industry, playing a part in NAND flash prices rising 3-8% in the second quarter. The extreme winter storm that hit Texas in February saw Samsung, NXP Semiconductors, and Infineon Technologies ordered to close their factories in Austin so power could be prioritized for people’s homes. Interruptions to a fabrication plant’s power have affected product prices in the past, a result of the time it takes to get a factory back to 100% production levels. TrendForce says that with Samsung’s Line S2 fab still to resume full operations, “the supply of NAND Flash controllers going forward may be at risk, and Samsung’s ability to manufacture client SSDs will be further constrained as a result.”