Are semiconductor manufacturers asking more from specialty gas producers?

Specialty gas suppliers are now shifting from a supporting utility to an essential part of the semiconductor value chain as manufacturers seek greater technical expertise.

The shift was outlined by Jarne Van Belleghem, European Business Development Manager of Specialty Gases at Nippon Sanso, who spoke on a recent gasworld webinar.

Belleghem’s note comes as the semiconductor market continues to grow. In January, analyst group McKinsey reported that the semiconductor market, valued at $775bn in 2024, could reach up to $1.6 trillion by 2030.

The accelerated growth is putting pressure on specialty gas supplies to support global semiconductor manufacturing demand.

In turn, this brings into question the relationship between semiconductor manufacturers and specialty gas suppliers.

Nippon Sanso’s Van Belleghem said the company is shifting from being a “supporting utility” to “an essential part of the supply chain.”

He said that a decade ago, the company would be consulted on the price, quality specification, and availability of the specialty gases associated with semiconductor manufacturing.

While those factors remain important, manufacturers’ expectations have changed significantly, he said.

“Now [customers] expect us to take a look at their process and optimise it.

“[They] are no longer evaluating suppliers solely on the profits they provide, but they are evaluating the expertise, the responsiveness, and the business value that actually comes with those profits.”

Other factors now taken into consideration outside of expertise are the sustainability of item delivery and the security of supply.

For Belleghem, the questions are also becoming broader, shifting towards operational efficiency, safety, and scalability.

“[We’re] stepping away from the traditional supplier customer relationship towards a real strategic partnership.”