March 6, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — South Korean officials said ongoing tensions in the Middle East could pose risks to the supply of key materials used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Kim Young-bae, a lawmaker from the country’s ruling party, raised the concern after meeting executives from Samsung Electronics and representatives from industry groups. He said chip companies in South Korea are watching the situation closely, as prolonged conflict involving Iran could push up energy prices and disrupt supply routes.

Industry participants pointed to helium, an important gas used to cool equipment during semiconductor manufacturing. The material has no practical substitute in many production steps, and global supply is concentrated in only a few countries, including Qatar, one of the major producers.

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the country also relies on the Middle East for several other items used in the semiconductor supply chain. These include materials such as bromine and certain chip inspection equipment, with about 14 related items linked to the region.

Demand for chips has already been rising quickly due to the expansion of AI data centers, putting pressure on global semiconductor supply. Analysts say any disruption in material flows could add another layer of uncertainty for chipmakers and the broader electronics industry.