Summary: Asian semiconductor manufacturers are accelerating efforts to localize photoresist and specialty chemical supply chains, reducing dependence on traditional suppliers from Japan and the US.
Materials Independence Push
Driven by supply chain security concerns and geopolitical tensions, major Asian semiconductor manufacturing nations are aggressively investing in domestic photoresist and specialty chemical production capabilities. China, South Korea, and Taiwan have all announced significant investments in photoresist R&D and manufacturing.
Photoresist, a light-sensitive material critical to the lithography process, has traditionally been dominated by Japanese suppliers who control over 80% of the global market. The push for localization aims to create a more resilient and diversified supply base.
Singapore-based chemical and materials companies are well-positioned to benefit from this trend, given the country's strong petrochemical infrastructure and proximity to major chip manufacturing hubs.
