South Korean industry officials have sounded the alarm that escalating tensions between the United States and Israel over Iran could threaten the supply chain for essential raw materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. The warning comes amid growing concerns that a broader conflict might disrupt the flow of key elements such as helium, bromine and other rare gases sourced from the Middle East.
Impact on Data‑Centre Expansion
South Korean companies, which rely heavily on imports for advanced chip production, fear that higher energy costs and potential shortages could drive up prices. This, in turn, may delay the launch of new data‑centre projects across the Middle East—a region that has been aggressively expanding its digital infrastructure.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and preparing contingency plans," said a senior executive from a leading semiconductor firm.
Broader Geopolitical Risks
The warning highlights how geopolitical instability can ripple through global technology supply chains. Analysts note that any disruption in the flow of rare gases could have cascading effects on chip output, affecting everything from automotive electronics to AI servers worldwide.