"The event will have minimal impact on the global supply of NAND flash chips for the time being thanks to Samsung's own inventory as well as those of other channels," Doh Hyun-woo, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities wrote in his report. It will likely drive up NAND prices in the second half when the current stock begins to run out, he added. Song Myung-seop, another analyst from DGB Financial Group, said the average selling price (ASP) of NAND chips is predicted to "fall less than previously expected, partly due to the supply shortage." The Xi'an event is forecast to "help stabilise NAND prices" and eventually boost Samsung's chip business to log "record earnings this year," said Eo Kyu-jin from DB Financial Investment. Industry tracker TrendForce had previously said NAND flash ASP would decline 10-15 percent in the first quarter of this year due to oversupply.