According to EMSNow, the price of tungsten hexafluoride (WF₆), a key gas used in semiconductor etching and chemical...

According to EMSNow, the price of tungsten hexafluoride (WF₆), a key gas used in semiconductor etching and chemical vapor deposition, has reportedly surged over 200% as supply tightens ahead of expected output cuts in Japan (source). WF₆ is critical for metal deposition in advanced chip manufacturing, and such a dramatic price increase directly raises production costs for foundries. For SMIC, which already faces margin pressures from US export controls and equipment restrictions, this cost shock could further compress margins or force price adjustments. The output cuts in Japan also threaten supply stability, potentially delaying wafer starts. While the impact magnitude is uncertain, the single source indicates a low-confidence but real supply-chain disruption signal for SMIC and the broader foundry industry.