Woofun AI notes that AI semiconductor bottlenecks may extend to key materials like tungsten, which is critical for high-temperature stability and electrical erosion resistance in chip manufacturing. Tungsten is irreplaceable in advanced production due to its role in chemical and physical vapor deposition processes.

Supply constraints are tightening as Japan faces higher prices and reduced tungsten imports, hindering production of tungsten hexafluoride by key suppliers SK Materials and Shin-Etsu Chemical. Consequently, Korean import prices for tungsten hexafluoride have risen by 151% this year, highlighting risks at the bottom of the supply chain.