The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has set off alarm bells among South Korean chipmakers, who are keeping a watchful eye on the situation. They fear potential disruptions in the supply of critical raw materials, including helium, diluents, ethanol, and isopropanol. Notably, the supply risk for helium has already materialized, with its spot price surging by more than 50% in recent days. Semiconductor giants such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Dongbu HiTek are now prioritizing the acquisition of ample inventory. Their procurement teams are meticulously tracking the supply and price fluctuations of these essential materials on a daily basis to safeguard production stability. At this juncture, ensuring a steady supply outweighs considerations of cost.
