Citrini analyst jukan: Early warning signs in high-purity CO2 procurement for semiconductors

Odaily reported that Citrini analyst jukan stated on X platform that early warning signals have emerged in the procurement of high-purity carbon dioxide (CO2) used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, due to a significant decline in feedstock CO2 production caused by lower operating rates at oil refineries and petrochemical plants.

Semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers typically each hold about two weeks of inventory, totaling approximately one month of supply. However, the industry now believes that inventory levels have fallen below one month. Samsung Electronics uses roughly 1,800 to 2,000 tons of high-purity CO2 per month, while SK Hynix uses about 600 to 700 tons per month. Currently, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have not experienced production disruptions, but inventory buffers continue to shrink. Both companies are intensifying their procurement efforts, though additional supply remains difficult to secure even at higher prices.

The price of liquefied CO2 has risen about 20% since the beginning of the year, and the industry expects supply constraints to likely persist until the end of the year. Major domestic high-purity CO2 suppliers include Taekyung Chemical, Sundo Chemical, Dongkwang Chemical, and SK Air Plus, with Taekyung Chemical considered the leading player.