War Russia-Ukraine unfortunately it is a reality and even if it is not yet (and we hope it will not become) a full blown conflict, there are already many bombs falling in and around Kiev. While some may consider warring countries insignificant to the tech industry, they actually play a role.
Russia And Ukraine they produce raw materials relevant to the tech world. While the former has a lot nickelthe second is responsible for the neon gas. Both I’m necessary for the production of chips.
It turns out that 90% of US neon gas for semiconductors comes from Ukraine. Second Apple Insider, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed concern about the ongoing war. He also stated that the company “is doing everything possible for our team“.
Apple: CEO Tim Cook wants to help Ukraine
At the outbreak of the Russian war in Ukraine, Apple’s number one announced on Twitter that the company allegedly supported local humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. He reiterated that “yes it would united with all those who invoke peace“.
Although Apple has no retail outlets in Ukraine, the Cupertino tech giant works with authorized dealers in the country. Furthermore, according to the Kyiv Postthe US OEM registered a limited liability company in the Ukrainian capital over the past year.
The crisis will not impact chipset manufacturing for now
It was immediately thought that, due to the important raw materials that come from both warring regions, the production of chipsets could be affected.
However, reports from insiders and supply chains show that there is no direct impact, at least for now. We reiterate once again: for now.
A source close to the Japanese SoC industry reported:
The chip makers did not suffer an immediate impact, but the companies that supply them with semiconductor manufacturing materials buy gases such as neon and palladium from Russia and Ukraine. The supply of these materials is already scarce, so any additional supply pressure is dangerous. Could be raise their priceswhich in turn could lead to higher chip prices.
SK Hynix he claims he has a lot of material at the moment and has no reason to worry. Although Samsung is closely monitoring the situation, he claims that there is no direct impact on chip manufacturing. The South Korean manufacturer also said that production is proceeding according to plan.
For Intel, GlobalFoundries and UMCthere has been no direct response, but both companies do not expect any immediate risk from the Russia-Ukraine war.
As for the Taiwanese chip testing company, ASEproduction and jobs remain stable. Unisema Malaysian processor packaging company, says its materials don’t come from Russia or Ukraine, so it doesn’t need to worry.
TSMCthe world’s largest chip smelter, however, did not respond to comments regarding this issue.
