Sources say quartz used in the production of computer chips will increase in price again

The price of quartz, used in the production of computer chips, is expected to rise again, The Elec reports. Their prices had already increased earlier this year but are expected to increase by another 10%. This is due to rising raw material prices and unfavorable exchange rates.

Korean quartz manufacturers, such as Wonik QnC and Young Shin Quartz, are expected to raise prices soon. A person with direct knowledge of the matter said it was extremely rare for quartz prices to be raised twice in a year.

During chip production, quartz is used in focus rings and other items in the wafer chamber. Quartz components are often used to ensure that high purity is maintained while being able to withstand high pressure/vacuum at high temperatures without reacting with the wafer itself or introducing particles that can cause subsequent circuit failure.

It is reported that the purity of this quartz must exceed 99.99%, and the required raw materials are provided by companies in the United States, Japan and Germany.

South Korea's quartz manufacturers, which rely on imports to make quartz, are raising prices as suppliers also say prices will jump.

Demand for quartz is also expected to continue to increase, as the more advanced the chip process node, the more quartz is used. Advanced chips require more etching and the output of the plasma increases, which will wear down commodities like quartz faster.

According to data from Eugene Investment & Securities, the size of the Korean quartz market is expected to be 1.3 trillion won (approximately 6.968 billion yuan) this year and will grow to 1.6 trillion won (approximately 8.576 billion yuan) next year.