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Rare Gases' Supply Crisis: Prices Fluctuate Amidst Unclear Production

Lack of transparency in production data is exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. As demand grows, particularly in semiconductor and laser manufacturing, understanding market dynamics is crucial.

In this image there is a gas balloon in the air.
In this image there is a gas balloon in the air.

Rare Gases' Supply Crisis: Prices Fluctuate Amidst Unclear Production

The supply of rare gases like krypton, xenon, and neon has become precarious, with prices fluctuating dramatically in recent years. These gases, crucial in semiconductor and laser manufacturing, are primarily produced by large industrial gas companies, but their exact production capacities remain unclear.

Giant air separation units (ASUs), often attached to steel mills processing vast amounts of air daily, are the primary source of these rare gases. However, the supply has been substantially compromised in recent years, with no up-to-date, public data on production capacities. The demand for these gases has likely increased due to their use in high-tech industries, but precise comparisons with previous years are unavailable.

Pricing of these rare gases has been volatile, reflecting the supply-demand imbalance. The main producers, including Air Liquide, Linde (Praxair), and AMCS Corp., have not disclosed detailed production figures, making it challenging to assess the market situation.

The scarcity of rare gases like krypton, xenon, and neon, coupled with volatile pricing, highlights the need for transparent, up-to-date production data. As demand continues to grow, particularly in semiconductor and laser manufacturing, understanding the market dynamics is crucial for ensuring a stable supply.

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