Svmuu News: Citrini analyst jukan posted on X, stating that warning signs have emerged regarding the procurement of high-purity carbon dioxide (CO2) used in advanced semiconductor processes, as a significant reduction in CO2 production—the raw material—has resulted from declining operating rates at oil refineries and petrochemical plants.
Semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers typically maintain about two weeks’ worth of inventory each, totaling approximately one month’s supply, but the industry now believes inventory has fallen below one month. Samsung Electronics uses approximately 1,800 to 2,000 metric tons of high-purity CO₂ per month, while SK Hynix uses about 600 to 700 metric tons per month. While Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have not yet experienced production disruptions, their inventory buffers continue to shrink, and both companies are stepping up procurement efforts; however, securing additional supplies remains difficult even at higher prices.
Prices for liquefied CO₂ have risen by about 20% since the beginning of the year, and the industry believes the supply shortage is likely to persist through the end of the year. Major domestic suppliers of high-purity CO₂ include Taekyung Chemical, Sundo Chemical, Dongkwang Chemical, and SK Air Plus, with Taekyung Chemical considered the market leader.