Electronic Grade Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) — Semiconductor Etchant Prices to Surge Further in June–July 2026 as Korean Customers Tap China Suppliers to Bypass Middle East Disruption

The electronic grade hydrogen fluoride market is facing significant price pressure in 2026, driven by a Combination of raw material cost inflation from Middle East geopolitical disruptions and unprecedented procurement activity from Korean semiconductor customers. According to TrendForce, beginning this month, Korean anhydrous hydrogen fluoride producers including Solbrain, ENF Technology, and Huseong have commenced sourcing raw material anhydrous hydrogen fluoride from China, with current procurement prices approximately 40 percent higher than at the beginning of the year.

The core trigger is the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz stemming from ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. Anhydrous HF is produced from fluorspar and sulfuric acid, and disruptions to sulfuric acid supply caused by Middle East sulfur interruptions have cascaded up the supply chain to HF production – with semiconductor industry sourcing bearing the brunt of the transmission. These Korean companies will convert the imported raw material into electronic grade hydrofluoric acid, primarily supplying leading domestic semiconductor enterprises including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Industry insiders note that due to the already substantial increase in raw material costs, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have no choice but to accept upcoming price increases, with market expectations pointing toward significantly higher electronic grade HF prices in June and July.

According to SunSirs data, the quoted price for Electronic Grade (G5) hydrogen fluoride stands at 110,000 RMB per ton – an increase of 40 percent compared to the beginning of the year, while industrial grade HF has seen smaller relative gains. The electronic grade price significantly exceeds industrial grade (5,000–10,000 RMB per ton) due to far stricter control over moisture and metallic impurities required for semiconductor cleaning and etching applications. As wafer fabrication capacity continues to expand and advanced logic and memory demand strengthens, the high-purity electronic HF market is poised for sustained demand growth.

The crisis has created a new dynamic for domestic Chinese producers. For manufacturers searching for "electronic grade hydrogen fluoride semiconductor etchant," "G5 grade HF price," or "anhydrous HF semiconductor cleaning gas," the current environment suggests that Chinese suppliers may increasingly serve as an alternate source for global semiconductor customers.

Sources: 21st Century Business Herald, May 25, 2026; TrendForce, May 19, 2026; IT Home, May 14, 2026; SunSirs, May 19, 2026