Photoresist Market By Type, Chemical Type, Application (Semiconductors, Printed Circuit Boards, Microelectromechanical Systems ), & Region for 2024-2031

Photoresist Market Valuation - 2024-2031

Rising demand from industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications has increased the need for smaller, more powerful chips, resulting in greater use of photoresists in semiconductor manufacturing. This demand has been fueled further by the expansion of 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), all of which require sophisticated, high-performance chips is suppressing USD 5.08 Billion in 2024 and reachingUSD 7.97 Billion by 2031.

Furthermore, advances in lithography techniques, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, are driving up demand for advanced photoresists that can meet the precision and quality requirements of modern semiconductor fabrication is expected to grow at aCAGR of about 6.39% from 2024 to 2031.

Photoresist Market: Definition/ Overview

Photoresist is a light-sensitive material used in photolithography and photoengraving processes to create patterns on semiconductor wafers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and other electronic components. It is primarily used in the semiconductor industry to manufacture integrated circuits, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and display panels. The future of photoresists looks promising, thanks to rising demand for advanced electronics, 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and miniaturized devices. Innovations in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and environmentally friendly photoresists are expected to broaden its applications in next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.

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Will Rising Adoption of Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) Drive the Photoresist Market?

The growing use of Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) is a significant driver for the photoresist market. This cutting-edge technology is transforming the semiconductor industry by enabling the creation of smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient microchips. EUV lithography enables the creation of circuit patterns with feature sizes as small as 7 nanometers or less, which is critical for the continued advancement of electronic devices.

According to a Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) report, global semiconductor sales will reach USD 573.5 Billion in 2022, with further growth expected in subsequent years. This increase is primarily due to the growing demand for advanced chips in a variety of applications, including 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The use of EUV technology is playing an important role in meeting demand. For instance, in January 2024, ASML reported that it had shipped 100 EUV systems to date, with plans to ramp up production to meet rising demand. This increase in EUV system deployment corresponds directly to an increase in demand for specialized EUV photoresists, as each new EUV installation necessitates a steady supply of these materials for chip production.

In March 2024, Samsung Electronics announced plans to invest USD 116 Billion in advanced chip technology by 2030, with a significant portion going toward EUV-based production lines. This investment is expected to boost demand for EUV photoresists significantly. Furthermore, in August 2022, the US CHIPS and Science Act, passed, sets aside USD 52.7 Billion for American semiconductor research, development, and production. A portion of this funding is specifically intended to advance EUV technology and its associated materials, such as photoresists.

Will High Costs and Ongoing Maintenance Expenses Hinder the Growth of the Photoresist Market?

High costs and ongoing maintenance expenses may stymie the growth of the photoresist market, especially as semiconductor manufacturing becomes more complex and requires more advanced materials. Creating high-performance photoresists, particularly for cutting-edge technologies such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, necessitates significant investment in R&D. These costs are exacerbated by the requirement for precision manufacturing and stringent quality control measures, which raises production costs. As photoresist manufacturers pass these costs on to semiconductor companies, the increased financial burden may slow adoption, especially among smaller players or those with tighter budgets.

In addition to the initial development costs, ongoing maintenance and upgrades to photolithography equipment add to the overall expenses. Photoresists used in advanced semiconductor fabrication processes necessitate frequent formulation changes and compatibility with evolving lithography technologies. This incurs additional costs for machine recalibration, material testing, and process optimization. These factors, combined with volatile raw material prices, create an environment in which controlling production costs and operational efficiency becomes difficult, potentially limiting market growth in certain regions or industries.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will Increasing Demand of Positive Photoresists Drive the Photoresist Market?

The growing demand for positive photoresists is expected to drive the photoresist market. Positive photoresists provide superior resolution and precision, making them highly desirable in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes like microchips, memory devices, and integrated circuits. As industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, and automotive shift to smaller and more powerful devices, the demand for positive photoresists grows. In July 2024, JSR Corporation announced that it would expand its research into extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photoresists, with a focus on positive photoresist formulations to meet the semiconductor industry's growing demand. This highlights the market's growing reliance on positive photoresists.

In May 2024, the United States government announced funding initiatives to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS Act. A portion of this funding will go toward advancing photolithography technologies, such as the creation of high-resolution positive photoresists to support local semiconductor production. These investments are likely to drive further growth in the positive photoresist market, as countries seek to strengthen their semiconductor supply chains in response to rising global demand for advanced electronic devices.

However, the negative photoresists segment is expanding at the fastest rate, owing to its growing use in applications such as flexible electronics, MEMS, and sensors, which require thicker films and greater durability. This expansion is fueled by advancements in technologies such as 5G and AI, as well as increased government investment in semiconductor research.

Will Increasing Usage of ArF Immersion Photoresists Drive the Photoresist Market?

The growing use of ArF immersion photoresists is a major driver boosting growth of the photoresist market, especially as semiconductor manufacturers seek more advanced and precise lithography techniques. ArF immersion photoresists are required to create smaller, more powerful nodes (7nm and below), which are critical in the development of high-performance processors, memory chips, and other advanced electronic components. As industries like 5G, AI, and IoT expand, so does the demand for high-precision photoresists. In June 2024, Tokyo Electron announced a collaboration with major semiconductor manufacturers to improve its ArF immersion lithography systems, with a focus on compatibility with advanced photoresists to meet the growing demand for miniaturization in semiconductor fabrication.

In April 2024, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy launched an initiative to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem by investing in advanced photolithography technologies such as ArF immersion. This program aims to increase local production capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Such government support, combined with increased investments in semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure, is expected to drive demand for ArF immersion photoresists, resulting in overall market growth as countries compete to lead in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

KrF photoresists are the second fastest-growing segment, driven by their use in mid-range semiconductor manufacturing. KrF photoresists are used in larger node processes (above 90nm), making them useful in industries like automotive electronics and industrial equipment. As these industries grow and require more durable chips, the demand for KrF photoresists increases.

Country/Region-wise

Will Increasing Robust Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry in Asia Pacific Drive the Photoresist Market?

The robust and rapidly expanding semiconductor manufacturing industry in Asia Pacific is a major driver of the global photoresist market. Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Japan are the primary drivers of this growth, having established themselves as key players in the global semiconductor supply chain.

In February 2024, According to a Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) report published the Asia Pacific region accounted for 67% of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity in 2023, with projections indicating that share could reach 70% by 2026.

Government initiatives in the Asia Pacific region are also playing an important role in boosting the semiconductor industry, and thus the photoresist market. In China, the government's "Made in China 2025" initiative aims to boost the country's semiconductor self-sufficiency to 70% by 2025. As part of this strategy, the Chinese government announced a USD 150 Billion investment package in December 2023 to boost domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing, including advances in photoresist technology. In April 2024, According to an International Trade Administration report published the photoresist market in Asia Pacific will grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2029, outpacing the global average of 6.2% and cementing the region's role as a key driver of the global photoresist market.

Will Growing Government Initiatives in North America Propel the Photoresist Market?

Growing government initiatives in North America are expected to boost the photoresist market significantly. Recent policy actions and funding programs aimed at strengthening domestic semiconductor production have been key drivers of this growth. For instance, in August 2024, the US Department of Commerce announced an expansion of CHIPS Act funding, which includes significant investments in photolithography technologies and materials, such as photoresists. This initiative aims to increase local manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, thereby directly impacting demand for advanced photoresists as semiconductor companies ramp up production to meet new technological standards.

In May 2023, Canada's government announced its Semiconductor Action Plan, committing CAD USD 250 Million (approximately USD 185 Million) to strengthen the country's semiconductor ecosystem. This strategy includes substantial investments in photonics and advanced materials research, which are critical for developing next-generation photoresists. Additionally, in March 2024 , Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology, it is predicted that these government initiatives will result in a 30% increase in advanced photoresist consumption in North America by 2028, compared to 2023 levels, highlighting the significant impact of government support on the photoresist market.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the photoresist market is shaped by the rapid advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, increasing demand for advanced lithography techniques, and the rise of smaller, more efficient electronic devices. Companies focus on innovation and strategic partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers to meet the growing demand for high-performance photoresist materials. Regional players in Asia-Pacific, particularly in Japan and South Korea, are also expanding their market presence due to the strong growth of electronics and semiconductor industries in these regions. Furthermore, environmental regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop eco-friendly photoresists.

Some of the prominent players operating in the photoresist market include:

JSR Corporation (JSR)

Fujifilm Holdings America Corporation

DuPont Electronics & Imaging

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

Asahi Kasei Corporation

DJ Microlaminates

KOLON Industries, Inc.

Microchemicals GmbH.

Latest Developments

In November 2024, Foundries announced that it had implemented new ArF immersion photoresists from a leading supplier to improve its semiconductor fabrication processes. This move is consistent with their strategy to improve manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for high-performance chips.

In December 2024, BASF announced the introduction of a new line of photoresists with improved performance characteristics for 3D NAND memory devices. This development aims to support the increasing complexity and density of memory chip production.

In September 2024 Dow Inc. announced the acquisition of a photoresist technology firm to strengthen its portfolio in the semiconductor materials industry. Dow's acquisition aims to strengthen its capabilities in the development of advanced photoresists for high-precision applications.