SK Group leader warns AI data center boom causes supply problems

Rapid AI Growth Strains Global Supply Chains

The Chair of SK Group, Chey Tae-won, has warned that the global expansion of artificial intelligence data centres is creating critical supply bottlenecks for chips and essential components. Speaking at a business event in Gyeongju, South Korea, in connection with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Chey emphasized that the construction of new AI infrastructure worldwide is forcing companies and governments to grapple with unprecedented demand for semiconductors and support services[1][2].

"Now, a lot of AI data centres need to be built, and for everything that goes into them, from chips to services, they are creating bottlenecks," Chey stated. The rapid pace of development, driven by major economies such as the United States and China rolling out national strategies for AI leadership, is putting pressure on supply chains in ways not previously seen[1][2].

Supply Chain Impacts and Industry Challenges

The surge in AI adoption—spanning applications from cloud services to autonomous systems—is leading to delays in chip production and data centre projects. This situation is particularly acute at companies like SK Hynix Inc, a global leader in memory chips, which faces significant constraints linked to this AI-driven boom[3].

  • Global competition for AI resources is at an all-time high, driving demand for high-performance computing equipment beyond current manufacturing capabilities[2].
  • Supply bottlenecks are most severe for semiconductors, integral to machine learning and generative tools such as ChatGPT and similar platforms.
  • Industry analysts forecast prolonged supply constraints unless investments in manufacturing and logistics capacity are rapidly increased in high-demand regions[2].

Technological Arms Race and National Strategies

The intense race between nations, particularly the U.S. and China, to develop and deploy advanced AI solutions is accelerating these challenges[1][2]. National strategies focused on technological dominance are amplifying the rush to secure chips and build next-generation data centres.

Future Outlook: Calls for Global Cooperation

Chey Tae-won’s statements highlight the need for coordinated global action to strengthen supply networks and ensure the continued growth of the digital economy. South Korea, among other nations, aims to address chip and energy shortages through international collaboration and the establishment of key test beds for AI development[4]. Industry leaders agree that innovative partnerships and strategic investments will be essential to resolve these critical bottlenecks and sustain the momentum of the AI revolution.

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