Two Japanese companies told TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix their tungsten hexafluoride supply ends July 1, 2026.
Kanto Denka and Central Glass formally notified the three chipmakers they will permanently stop WF6 production on that date. The two firms produce 2,000-2,200 tons annually, roughly one-quarter of global output estimated at 8,000-9,000 tons. Their remaining inventories cover only May and June 2026. After the deadline, Japan has zero WF6 capacity.
The 2,000-ton shortfall
WF6 deposits the tungsten films used as conductive pathways in DRAM, NAND, and logic chips. The global chip industry consumes 7,000-8,000 tons per year. Removing the Japanese volume opens a 2,000-ton gap in the second half of 2026 with no equivalent non-Chinese replacement at scale.
China's February 2025 export controls
China introduced export licensing for tungsten products in February 2025. Tungsten powder accounts for 60-70% of WF6 production cost. Japanese makers depended on Chinese feedstock. After the licensing system began, exports of tungsten concentrates to South Korean buyers fell 40%. China supplies more than 80% of global tungsten metal. South Korea sources 94.5% of its tungsten concentrates and ammonium paratungstate from China.
Price surge
In China, 5N-grade WF6 reached 1,670-1,810 RMB per kilogram, up 232.7% from 523 RMB a year earlier. Global spot prices hit $149.79/kg in April 2026, rising 203.83% in one month. SK Specialty and Foosung announced 70-90% price increases for 2026 contracts. China's NDRC cited rising WF6 prices as support for the memory chip price rally.
The 2029 capacity gap
No new non-Chinese WF6 plants are expected online before 2029. South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy released 25% of the national strategic tungsten stockpile and formed a Critical Minerals Emergency Response Team. These steps address short-term risk only. Chinese producers are positioned to secure long-term supply agreements while alternative capacity remains absent.
What chipmakers must do now
TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix face sustained higher input costs or multi-year capital projects to diversify feedstock. Foosung shares rose on hopes of domestic substitution, yet Korean producers still rely on Chinese tungsten. Operators should model elevated WF6 costs through at least 2028 and open negotiations with Chinese suppliers for contracted volumes. The tungsten export controls that began in February 2025 show no sign of reversal.
