Asia’s chipmakers feel the heat as naphtha crunch hits photoresist supply
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
A naphtha shortage due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting Asia's semiconductor industry, causing a photoresist supply strain. Japanese suppliers have warned South Korean chipmakers, including Samsung and SK Hynix, of disruptions to raw material procurement. The shortage is expected to hit advanced nodes that rely on extreme ultraviolet lithography the hardest, given its sensitivity and tight tolerances, exposing vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The shortage threatens the production of advanced chips used in applications like artificial intelligence and car systems.
- · Disruptions to Samsung and SK Hynix's supply chains could undermine their ability to meet demand.