[Citrini Analyst: Warning on High-Purity CO2 Procurement in Semiconductors] Odaily Planet Daily News - Citrini analyst Jukan posted on the X platform, stating that a warning signal has emerged regarding the procurement of high-purity carbon dioxide (CO2) used in advanced semiconductor processes. The reason is a significant reduction in CO2 production due to decreased operating rates at refineries and petrochemical plants. Semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers typically hold about two weeks of inventory each, totaling approximately one month's supply. However, the industry recently believes that inventory levels have dropped below one month. Samsung Electronics uses approximately 1,800 to 2,000 tons of high-purity CO2 per month, while SK Hynix uses about 600 to 700 tons per month. Currently, neither Samsung Electronics nor SK Hynix has experienced production disruptions, but their inventory levels are continuing to shrink. Both companies are ramping up procurement efforts, but even with higher prices, securing additional supply remains challenging. The price of liquefied CO2 has risen by about 20% since the beginning of the year, and the industry believes that the supply shortage is likely to persist until the end of the year. Major domestic suppliers of high-purity CO2 include Taekyung Chemical, Sundo Chemical, Dongkwang Chemical, and SK Air Plus, with Taekyung Chemical considered the leading company in the field.