'Iran-linked supply shock' could make the RAM crisis worse soon — here's what you need to know

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RAM could soon get more expensiveThis is due to the disruption of shipping in the Strait of HormuzSpecifically it pertains to problems with the supply of hydrofluoric acid, used for etching and cleaning in RAM productionThere could be another complication for the RAM supply chain coming soon, bringing the prospect of even pricier memory sticks.We've heard before that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are a problem for the supply of certain vital chemicals used in memory production. And now, The Elec reports (via Tom's Hardware) that this ongoing situation is going to usher in further price hikes which are described as an 'Iran-linked supply shock'.The Elec notes that hydrofluoric acid, which is used for etching and cleaning in RAM production, is increasing in price due to the core ingredient, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, becoming more expensive – it's leapt by 40% since 2026 began.The upshot is that while the increases have been absorbed and not passed on thus far, this won't continue to be the case. Come late June or July, South Korean memory chip makers Samsung and SK Hynix will be paying more for this acid – and the price hike will be a 'significant' one.As The Elec explains, the supply problems here can be traced back to a shortfall in sulfur, with the global supply of that element dropping by almost a third due to the issues with the Strait of Hormuz. The core ingredient for hydrofluoric acid requires sulfuric acid for its production, hence the knock-on effect from the major supply wobble with sulfur.Analysis: under pressure (yet again)