Semiconductor Chemicals Market
Semiconductor Chemicals Market by Type (High Performance Polymers, Acid & Base Chemicals, Adhesives, Solvents), Application (Photoresist, Etching, Doping, Cleaning), End Use (Integrated Circuits, Discrete Semiconductor), & Region - Global Forecast to 2030
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The semiconductor chemicals market is expected to reach USD 29.3 billion by 2030, up from USD 16.2 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2025 to 2030. Semiconductor chemicals consist of high-purity materials such as photoresists, wet chemicals, gases, and slurries essential for wafer fabrication, etching, deposition, cleaning, and doping processes. They are vital for manufacturing advanced microchips and integrated circuits. The market growth is fueled by rising demand for consumer electronics, 5G infrastructure, and electric vehicles, along with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and data centers, all of which require high-performance semiconductors. Supportive government initiatives to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains in key regions like the U.S., China, South Korea, and Japan are also expected to boost investments in semiconductor chemical production.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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BY TYPEThe semiconductor chemicals market comprises high-performance polymers, acid & base chemicals, adhesives, solvents, and other specialty chemicals. High-performance polymers are increasingly used for advanced lithography and packaging, while acids and bases are crucial for wafer etching and cleaning. Adhesives and solvents support assembly and process integration, with specialty chemicals tailored for next-generation semiconductor nodes.
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BY APPLICATIONKey applications include photoresists, etching, deposition, cleaning, doping, and others. Photoresists dominate due to their critical role in photolithography, enabling fine circuit patterns in IC manufacturing. Etching and deposition chemicals are essential for layer structuring, while cleaning and doping chemicals ensure defect-free wafers and desired electrical properties. The growing adoption of EUV lithography and advanced logic chips intensifies demand for ultra-high-purity chemicals in all these applications.
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BY END-USEThe integrated circuits (ICs) segment leads the market, driven by the expanding need for high-performance chips in AI, 5G, and data centers. Discrete semiconductors and optoelectronics contribute significantly, particularly in automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy applications. Sensors are another growing end-use, supported by demand in IoT, smart devices, and automotive electronics.
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BY REGIONThe Asia Pacific is expected to dominate and grow at the highest rate, fueled by strong semiconductor manufacturing bases in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. North America and Europe are also significant markets, driven by government-backed initiatives to strengthen domestic semiconductor ecosystems and reduce supply chain dependencies.
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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPEMajor market players are pursuing organic and inorganic growth strategies, including expansions, partnerships, and M&A to secure supply chains and technology leadership. Companies focus on developing ultra-high-purity chemicals tailored for advanced nodes (<7nm) and EUV lithography. Strategic collaborations between chemical suppliers and semiconductor foundries are becoming increasingly common to ensure material compatibility and performance for next-generation devices.
The semiconductor chemicals market is driven by rapid technological advances and rising global demand for electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and consumer electronics, which require high-performance semiconductors. As demand grows for higher-performance chips, ultrapure chemicals needed for wafer fabrication and cleaning are in greater demand. Advancing technologies, like smaller nodes (e.g., 5nm, 3nm) and 3D architectures, increase the need for precision and high-purity chemicals. The rise of EVs, 5G, and AI devices sustains growth, supported by government initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing and self-sufficiency. The industry is shifting towards eco-friendly, sustainable chemicals as regulations tighten. Continued capacity expansion and new fab construction worldwide will further boost semiconductor chemical consumption.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
The semiconductor chemicals market faces major changes due to trends like advanced process technologies, globalization of supply chains, digitalization, and environmental and geopolitical disruptions. Companies such as Merck, JSR, and Dow are investing heavily in R&D to meet demands for smaller nodes and eco-friendly formulations, while new hubs in India and Vietnam diversify supply sources amid logistical challenges. Digital twin adoption improves efficiency but requires high investments and skilled labor. Geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and environmental laws (like the EU’s PFAS phase-out) threaten supply chains and increase costs, exemplified by Taiwan’s drought impact and emerging quantum computing materials. Climate risks and market shifts demand agile strategies: investing in R&D, forming government or equipment partnerships, and diversifying suppliers to maintain reliability and competitiveness in the evolving industry landscape.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
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Increased demand for advanced electronics
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Rising adoption of 5G and IoT technologies
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Technological obsolescence and rapid innovation cycle
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Energy intensive chemical production and fab operation and rising operational cost
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Development of specialty chemicals for quantum computing
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Increasing application for medical and aerospace industries
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Complexities in scaling production of emerging materials
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Rising adoption of 5G and IoT technologies
The semiconductor chemicals market growth is driven by 5G and IoT deployment. 5G networks need advanced semiconductors with high performance, low latency, and improved energy efficiency, using specialized chemicals in processes like photolithography and chip etching. These chips support 5G infrastructure and mobile connectivity. IoT expands across sectors like smart homes, industry, healthcare, and connected vehicles, requiring vast sensors and complex chips that increase chemical usage in manufacturing. Both 5G and IoT advancements demand miniaturization and integration, necessitating new chemical formulations, fueling innovation and growth in semiconductor chemicals.
Restraint: Energy intensive chemical production and fab operation and rising operational cost
Energy intensity and rising costs heavily constrain the semiconductor chemicals market. Manufacturing requires significant energy, water, and precise controls, with high-temperature processes in production also consuming energy. As global energy prices increase, utility costs pressure profit margins, and sustainability becomes more critical. Companies are investing in greener technologies and waste systems, but rising costs may deter smaller firms from entering or expanding, and large firms might delay R&D and capacity growth. Addressing high operational and energy demands is crucial for sector scalability and affordability.
Opportunity: Development of specialty chemicals for quantum computing
The evolution of Specialty Chemicals for Quantum Computing offers a new opportunity in the semiconductor chemicals market. Quantum computing needs different materials and processes than classical computing. Qubits depend on materials like superconductors, topological insulators, or high-purity semiconductors with precise structure control. There is a need for new ultra-high purity chemicals—deposition precursors, etchants, dielectric materials—for cryogenic and quantum uses. As companies like IBM, Google, Intel, and startups grow their quantum hardware, demand for enabling materials increases. Chemical firms investing early in R&D to meet niche needs can secure high-value, low-competition positions. Future quantum materials development will require partnerships with quantum firms for mutual growth. This emerging segment offers a growth path for chemical companies into next-gen semiconductor innovation.
Challenge: Complexities in scaling production of emerging materials
Scaling Production Complexity for Emerging Materials is a challenge in the semiconductor chemicals sector. As the market advances in chip technology—like GAA transistors, 2D materials such as graphene, and EUV lithography—each step demands more specialized, sensitive chemicals. Developing materials at the lab scale is feasible, but scaling to industrial volume while ensuring ultra-high purity, consistency, and cost-effectiveness remains difficult. Growing methods for high containment, supply chain integration, safety, regulations, and secrecy add barriers. Large capital investments for new production lines, synthesis, and quality assurance are also needed, often before establishing comparability and funding. Smaller companies face even more severe scaling limitations, impacting competitiveness. Solving this requires coordinated collaboration, funding, R&D, regulation compliance, and industry partnerships to develop strong technical and process engineering capabilities.
Semiconductor Chemicals Market: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
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Utilization of advanced photoresists and high-purity etching chemicals for <5nm and 3nm chip production | Enables extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, higher transistor density, reduced defect rates, improved yield |
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Adoption of ultra-clean wet chemicals and slurries for next-gen integrated circuits | Improved process reliability, enhanced energy efficiency, scalability for AI and HPC chips |
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Use of deposition and doping chemicals in DRAM and NAND flash manufacturing | Higher memory density, faster data transfer speeds, lower power consumption |
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Specialty chemicals for analog and power semiconductor production | Increased durability, heat resistance, and performance of automotive and industrial semiconductors |
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Development of EUV-compatible photoresists and cleaning solutions | Supports advanced lithography, enables smaller node production, ensures compatibility with next-gen EUV tools |
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Use of advanced solvents and etching chemicals in 3D NAND memory stacks | Achieves greater storage capacity, enhanced reliability, and reduced cost per bit |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The semiconductor chemicals market is a specialized ecosystem made up of raw material suppliers, chemical suppliers, chemical equipment providers, semiconductor foundries, and research institutions. Suppliers provide raw materials like acids, solvents, and polymers, which are then used by formulators to create high-purity chemicals for semiconductor manufacturing processes such as photolithography, etching, and cleaning. These chemicals are supplied to leading foundries and integrated device manufacturers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. Equipment manufacturers support chemical application and process control, while research institutions and innovation centers focus on material development. All participants follow strict regulatory and purity standards. The ecosystem relies on logistics, waste management, and strategic partnerships, all centered on precision and innovation.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Semiconductor Chemicals Market, By Type
Solvents comprise the highest market segment, as they are widely used in so many of the semiconductor manufacturing stages. Solvents are critical when used for photolithography, wafer cleaning, and surface preparation to remove photoresist residues, particles, and organic contamination while protecting fragile circuit layouts and patterns. As chip geometries grow smaller and device complexity increases, surfaces become more critical for uniform inspections of ultra-clean surfaces, and this leads to further growth in solvent demand. Solvents are consistently used in more volumes than any other chemical type, contributing to the leading position by both volume and value; solvents typically have multiple uses or processes in the same single semiconductor wafer fabrication cycle. Their continued demand also contributes to a consistent market segment and a growing market segment within both the semiconductor front-end processing and back-end processing.
Semiconductor Chemicals Market, By End-use
Integrated circuits (ICs) are the largest end-use segment in the semiconductor chemicals market. This is due to the wide-ranging applications of ICs across nearly all electronic devices. ICs stand at the foundation of smartphones, computers, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, datacenters, and industrial equipment. ICs are produced using a multitude of complex processes, including photolithography, doping, etching, cleaning, and deposition, all of which utilize large volumes of high-purity specialty chemicals. The increase in demand for ICs is driven by the miniaturization of devices, advanced packaging, and the transition to smaller process nodes (5nm and below).
Semiconductor Chemicals Market, By Application
Photoresist is the largest application segment in the semiconductor chemicals market because of its role in photolithography. The overall semiconductor market has progressively moved toward more complicated & smaller designs, whereby transfer between 5nm and smaller technologies has generated explosive growth and usage of photoresists (both EUV and ArF). The products need to be ultra-high resolution and provide good adhesion for the wafer, along with proper pattern transfer capabilities, all of which are highly important in the creation of high-performance semiconductors. Developed from high-value, expensive projects and technically complex formulations to use in production, while assuming it is in many layers, photoresist technology will remain the largest share among application segments to support new global challenges and rapidly grow in the most mature semiconductor-related end-markets.
REGION
Asia Pacific to be fastest-growing region in global semiconductor chemicals market during forecast period
The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for semiconductor chemicals due to its high concentration of semiconductor manufacturing, including major companies like TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, SMIC, and Toshiba, which lead global chip production. These manufacturers rely heavily on high-purity chemicals for processes like lithography and etching. The region has a robust supply chain ecosystem of raw material suppliers, formulators, and equipment providers. Growing consumer electronics, electric vehicles, 5G, and IoT drive increased semiconductor demand. Governments in China and India support domestic chip manufacturing through policies and investments, creating new growth opportunities. Additionally, lower production costs, R&D capabilities, and collaborations with global tech firms bolster the region's importance. Ongoing expansions in Taiwan, China, and South Korea, along with vertical integration, further strengthen its manufacturing capacity.
Semiconductor Chemicals Market: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
The semiconductor chemicals market is characterized by a mix of emerging leaders, participants, pervasive players, and dominant stars. The chart highlights BASF as a strong market leader in terms of both market share and product footprint, occupying the "Stars" quadrant. JSR Corporation falls within the Pervasive Players quadrant, indicating a broad product presence but relatively moderate market share. Several smaller players cluster in the "Participants" and "Emerging Leaders" zones, reflecting niche positioning or early-stage growth potential. Overall, market dynamics suggest strong competition, with global giants driving innovation while smaller companies strive for differentiation and market penetration.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- JSR Corporation (Japan)
- BASF (Germany)
- Solvay (Belgium)
- Dow (US)
- Honeywell International Inc. (US)
- FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan)
- Eastman Chemical Company (US)
- Merck KGaA (Germany)
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- SK Inc. (South Korea)
- DuPont (US).
- Resonac Holdings Corporation (Japan)
- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan)
- Parker-Hannifin Corp. (US)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2024 (Value) | USD 14.4 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 (value) | USD 29.3 Billion |
| Growth Rate | 12.60% |
| Years Considered | 2021-2030 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2030 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million), Volume (Kiloton) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
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| Regions Covered | North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Rest of the World |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: Semiconductor Chemicals Market REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| U.S.-based Semiconductor Chemical Manufacturer | · Competitor profiles (financials, R&D focus, product portfolios: photoresists, etchants, CMP slurries) | · Identify supply chain blind spots |
| Wafer Fabrication Equipment (WFE) Supplier | · Mapping of chemical-material compatibility with advanced lithography (EUV, High-NA EUV) | · Insights on revenue shifts driven by EUV adoption |
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- August 2023 : Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan) announced the expansion of its operations by constructing a new inspection facility at the Incheon Plant in South Korea, which is managed by its consolidated subsidiary, TOK Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. This strategic facility expansion aims to enhance product quality and strengthen the company’s supply capabilities to meet the increasing demand from the semiconductor industry in the region. The move underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining high manufacturing standards while addressing the rapid growth in semiconductor applications across Asia, particularly in South Korea’s dynamic electronics sector.
- August 2023 : BASF (Germany) announced the expansion of its Electronic Materials Research and Development (R&D) operations in South Korea by relocating its R&D Center from Suwon to a larger facility in Ansan. This move aims to optimize research and development processes and enhance innovation capabilities. The new Ansan center will support greater collaboration with local and international customers and focus on advancing R&D efforts, especially in semiconductor materials. The initiative underscores BASF’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Asia and driving technological advancements in semiconductor chemical solutions.
- March 2023 : FLOSFIA Inc. and JSR Corporation (both Japan-based) announced a joint venture to develop an innovative iridium-based film deposition material aimed at overcoming the challenges of mass-producing iridium gallium oxide (alpha-(IrGa)2O3). This collaboration marks a global milestone as it results in the world’s first development of a P-type power semiconductor using this material by FLOSFIA. The new semiconductor can be effectively combined with corundum-type gallium oxide (alpha-Ga2O3), enabling scalable mass production for industrial use. It also supports the development of P-type characteristics, a key feature that significantly advances iridium gallium oxide semiconductor technology.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the market size of the semiconductor chemicals market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, the peer market, and the parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. Thereafter, the market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the market size of the segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources have been referred to for identifying and collecting information for this study. These secondary sources include annual reports, press releases, investor presentations of companies, white papers, certified publications, trade directories, certified publications, articles from recognized authors, gold standard and silver standard websites, and databases.
Secondary research has been used to obtain key information about the industry’s value chain and monetary chain, the total pool of key semiconductor chemical market players, classification and segmentation according to industry trends to the bottom-most level, and regional markets. It was also used to obtain information about key developments from a market-oriented perspective.
Primary Research
The semiconductor chemicals market comprises several stakeholders in the value chain, which include chemical manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors, and end users. Various primary sources from the supply and demand sides of the semiconductor chemicals market have been interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information. The primary interviewees from the demand side include key opinion leaders in end-use sectors. The primary sources from the supply side include manufacturers, associations, and institutes involved in the semiconductor chemicals industry.
Primary interviews were conducted to gather insights such as market statistics, data of revenue collected from the products and services, market breakdowns, market size estimations, market forecasting, and data triangulation. Primary research also helped in understanding the various trends related to type, end-use, application, and region. Stakeholders from the demand side, such as CIOs, CTOs, and CSOs, were interviewed to understand the buyer’s perspective on the suppliers, products, component providers, and their current usage of semiconductor chemicals and future outlook of their business, which will affect the overall market.
The breakdown of profiles of the primary interviewees is illustrated in the figure below:
Note: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 companies are classified based on their market revenue in 2024 available in the public domain, product portfolios, and geographical presence.
Other designations include sales representatives, production heads, and technicians.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Market Size Estimation
The top-down approach was used to estimate and validate the size of various submarkets for the region’s semiconductor chemicals market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size included the following steps:
- The key players in the industry have been identified through extensive secondary research
- The supply chain of the industry has been determined through primary and secondary research
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns based on type, end-use, application, and region were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to get the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data was consolidated and added with detailed inputs and analysis, and presented in this report
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the total market size from the estimation process above, the overall market has been split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for all the segments and subsegments, the data triangulation and market breakdown procedures have been employed, wherever applicable. The data has been triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size has been validated by using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches and primary interviews. Hence, for every data segment, there have been three sources: the top-down approach, the bottom-up approach, and expert interviews. The data was assumed correct when the values arrived from the three sources matched.
Market Definition
Semiconductor chemicals are high-purity specialty chemicals used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. These chemicals play a critical role in various fabrication processes such as photolithography, etching, doping, deposition, and wafer cleaning. They include solvents, acids, bases, photoresists, dopants, and advanced materials tailored for nanoscale precision and contamination-free environments. Semiconductor chemicals are essential for producing integrated circuits (ICs), discrete semiconductors, sensors, and optoelectronic components. With the ongoing advancement of electronics, miniaturization of chip nodes, and growing applications in 5G, AI, IoT, and automotive sectors, the demand for reliable and high-performance semiconductor chemicals continues to rise globally.
Stakeholders
- Semiconductor Chemical Manufacturers
- Semiconductor Chemical Traders, Distributors, and Suppliers
- Government and Private Research Organizations
- Associations and Industrial Bodies
- R&D Institutions
- Environmental Support Agencies
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the size of semiconductor chemicals, in terms of value and volume
- To provide detailed information regarding the major factors (drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges) influencing the growth of the market
- To estimate and forecast the market size based on type, end use, application, and region
- To forecast the size of the market with respect to major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World, along with their key countries
- To strategically analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide a competitive landscape of market leaders
- To track and analyze recent development such as product launches, expansions, investments, collaborations, and partnerships in the market
- To strategically profile the key market players and comprehensively analyze their core competencies
Available customizations:
Along with the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of a region with respect to a particular country or additional end use
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players
Tariff & Regulations
- Regulations and impact on semiconductor chemicals
By End-use Industry Analysis
- Market size for the semiconductor chemicals market in terms of value and volume
Key Questions Addressed by the Report
What are the factors influencing the growth of the semiconductor chemicals market?
The market is driven by rising demand for advanced electronics, increasing adoption of 5G, IoT, and AI, expansion of semiconductor manufacturing, advancements in chip miniaturization, and a growing focus on sustainability and green manufacturing.
What are semiconductor chemicals?
Semiconductor chemicals are high-purity specialty chemicals used in semiconductor fabrication processes such as photolithography, etching, doping, deposition, and wafer cleaning. They include acids, bases, solvents, photoresists, dopants, and advanced materials essential for producing ICs, sensors, and optoelectronic components.
Which region is expected to have the largest market share in the semiconductor chemicals market?
Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market share due to its strong semiconductor manufacturing base in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Who are the key market players covered in the report?
Key players include Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd., JSR Corporation, BASF, Solvay, Dow, Honeywell International Inc., FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Merck KGaA, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., SK Inc., and DuPont.
How big is the global semiconductor chemicals market?
The market is projected to grow from USD 16.19 billion in 2025 to USD 29.25 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.6%.
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