Growing geopolitical tensions are beginning to put pressure on the global technology supply chain, which could create serious risks for the rapidly developing artificial intelligence industry and the technology sector. Experts warn that if current conflicts and trade restrictions persist, key semiconductor manufacturers may face difficulties in meeting global demand.
One of the main threats is the disruption of supply chains. Similar problems have already manifested themselves due to the US tariff policy, which complicated the work of suppliers such as TSMC and Samsung. However, a new wave of risks is associated with the conflict in the Middle East. If tensions drag on for several months, Taiwanese and South Korean companies may face difficulties in producing the chips needed for AI infrastructure.
The situation is complicated by the dependence of Asian countries on imported energy resources. An important hub of world trade remains the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for the supply of oil and gas. Any disruptions in its operation could change the logistics of supplies and increase the cost of energy resources. This is critical for microcircuit manufacturers: for example, TSMC enterprises consume huge amounts of energy, and possible restrictions on the supply of liquefied natural gas from Qatar or oil from the Persian Gulf countries could seriously affect their production capabilities.
In addition to energy, the supply of technological resources is also under threat. According to South Korean media, the most urgent problem for companies like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix may be dependence on helium imports from Qatar. This gas is used to cool silicon wafers during high-energy production stages and is especially important when using extreme ultraviolet lithography technology, which is used in the production of modern memory chips.
In the short term, manufacturers are partially protected by stocks of components and raw materials. However, if the conflict drags on for weeks or months, the consequences could be serious.