The situation in Russia and Ukraine may trigger disruptions in the supply of key materials The White House warned chip industry companies to find alternative sources

According to the Financial Associated Press (Shanghai, editor Zhao Hao), sources told Reuters that the White House has warned some companies in the chip industry, asking them to broaden their supply chains as soon as possible to prevent Russia from preventing the United States from obtaining key materials for the production of semiconductors.

Techcet, a U.S. electronic materials market research firm, published a report on Feb. 1 highlighting that many semiconductor manufacturers rely heavily on materials from Russia and Ukraine, such as perfluorobutadiene, neon gas, palladium, and more.

According to Techcet's estimates, the U.S. market consumes about 8 tons of perfluorobutadiene per year, and Russia is a significant source of the gas. In addition, 35% of palladium comes from Russia.

In addition, more than 90% of the semiconductor-grade neon supply in the United States comes from Russia and Ukraine: Russia produces neon gas, which is then purified by a professional Ukrainian company. According to the U.S. Trade Commission (ITC), at one point in 2014, during a period of tension on the Crimean Peninsula, neon gas prices rose by 600 percent.

Peter Harrell, senior director of international economics and competitiveness at the National Security Council, and his colleagues have recently been in contact with executives in the chip industry to understand their demand for Russian and Ukrainian materials and to urge them to find alternative sources, the sources said.

The White House declined to comment on the specifics of the conversation, but a senior official reiterated, "The U.S. government is ready." Part of the preparations is to work with businesses to prepare Russia for disruption of the supply chain. ”

According to a document obtained by Reuters, Joe Pasetti, vice president of global public policy at the International Semiconductor Industry Association (SEMI), sent an email to members this week assessing the risks of the chip's critical manufacturing materials.

Pasetti referred to Techcet's report and said, "If there is a potential risk of supply disruption for any of the materials, please let us know (SEMI)." In addition to technet's mention of perfluorobutadiene, neon, and palladium, Pasetti's email warns of the risks of helium and scandium supply.