Wet Chemicals for Electronics Semiconductor Application Companies

The global market for wet chemicals used in electronics and semiconductor applications is a dynamic and ever-evolving space. This Market is driven by the relentless growth of the electronics industry. However, navigating this landscape is no easy feat, with a complex web of players employing diverse strategies to carve out a niche.

Market Share Battles: Strategies and Factors at Play

• Product Portfolio and Innovation: Offering a comprehensive range of high-purity, specialty chemicals tailored to specific applications is crucial. Companies like Solvay, BASF, and Merck KGaA invest heavily in R&D to develop next-generation cleaning, etching, and polishing solutions.


• Regional Presence and Distribution Network: A robust global presence and efficient distribution network are essential to cater to the geographically dispersed electronics and semiconductor manufacturing hubs. Companies like Entegris and Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI) have established strong regional footprints to ensure prompt deliveries.


• Cost Competitiveness and Sustainability: Balancing competitive pricing with adherence to stringent environmental regulations is a delicate act. Companies like Dow Chemical and Cabot Corporation are implementing sustainable manufacturing practices and offering green alternatives to traditional chemicals.


• Customer Relationships and Technical Support: Building close partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers and offering comprehensive technical support are key differentiators. Companies like Honeywell and DuPont provide on-site technical assistance to optimize chemical usage and troubleshoot process issues.

Strategies Adopted: A Diverse Arsenal

• Mergers and Acquisitions: Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is a common tactic. For instance, Entegris's acquisition of Versum Materials expanded its product portfolio and strengthened its position in the advanced packaging market.


• Vertical Integration: Some companies are moving towards vertical integration, securing raw materials and production facilities to gain control over the supply chain and reduce costs. For example, BASF acquired the semiconductor-grade silicon tetrachloride business of Evonik Industries to secure a vital raw material source.


• Focus on Niche Applications: With diverse applications emerging in areas like 5G, AI, and IoT, companies are focusing on developing specialized chemicals catering to these niches. For instance, Merck KGaA's CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) slurries are optimized for high-performance memory and logic chips.


• Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborations with universities, research institutes, and equipment manufacturers are becoming increasingly common to accelerate innovation and develop cutting-edge solutions. For example, Solvay partnered with imec, a leading research center, to develop advanced chemical solutions for 3D chip stacking.

List of Key Players in the Wet Chemicals for Electronics Semiconductor Application Market

• BASF SE


• Honeywell International LLC


• Eastman Chemical Company


• Solvay


• Avantor Inc.


• Fujifilm Corporation


• Kanto Chemical Co. Inc.


• N.C. Industrial Co. Ltd

Recent Developments:

August 2023: Dow Chemical unveils a new line of eco-friendly wet chemicals for cleaning and etching processes, reducing waste and energy consumption.

September 2023: Solvay partners with a Taiwanese startup to develop a revolutionary recycling technology for spent wet chemicals, aiming to close the loop in the production cycle.

October 2023: The International SEMICON Europa conference showcases the latest advancements in wet chemistry technology, with a focus on automation and process optimization.

November 2023: A global semiconductor shortage leads to increased demand for high-purity wet chemicals, benefiting major suppliers.

December 2023: The Chinese government announces plans to invest in domestic wet chemicals production, potentially challenging the dominance of foreign players.