Interview: Rising material costs and FOUP shortages threaten semiconductor supply chains

The surge in AI-driven chip demand, compounded by rising raw material costs and FOUP shortages due to geopolitical tensions, is severely disrupting global semiconductor supply chains. Upstream material costs have escalated, impacting midstream manufacturing with reduced yields and extended lead times. FOUP scarcity intensifies competition for inventory during capacity expansion, especially in advanced nodes. Regulatory tightening on technology exports raises compliance burdens. Competitors may accelerate vertical integration or shift to alternative materials. Over the next 12 months, supply chain misalignment will intensify, with companies likely adopting strategic realignments or geographic shifts to mitigate risks, though overall resilience remains uncertain.