Memory makers brace for hydrogen fluoride pricing shock as Hormuz blockade impacts supply chain — key etching and cleaning material faces sharp cost increase amid trade disruption

Memory chip manufacturers face rising costs for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, a critical material used in etching and cleaning processes. The price of the chemical rose approximately three percent during the first week of April in China. Sulfuric acid prices also jumped twenty-seven percent within the same period due to increasing sulfur costs.

Hydrogen fluoride costs surge for memory chip makers as Hormuz blockade disrupts supply chains and chemical prices rise sharply in China amid trade disruption

Trade restrictions imposed by China caused a significant surge in hydrogen fluoride prices by mid-April. Prices climbed up to one hundred and thirty percent compared to early 2026 levels. South Korean chemical suppliers, including Soulbrain, ENF Technology, and Foosung, began receiving higher-priced orders in mid-May.

Industry forecasts indicate that these increased costs will transfer to major memory producers by early July at the latest. Suppliers expect to pass the expenses directly to Samsung and SK Hynix. Memory makers may begin experiencing supply shortages as early as June or July based on current trends.

The Hormuz blockade continues to disrupt global supply chains, exacerbating material shortages for hardware manufacturers. Chemical companies report that downstream firms will absorb these price hikes within weeks.