The Global KrF Photoresist Market was valued at USD 1.86 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.45 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This sustained growth is primarily driven by the insatiable global demand for semiconductors, the expansion of advanced packaging technologies, and the continued relevance of KrF lithography in the production of mature-node chips, power management ICs, and CIS (CMOS Image Sensors).
As the semiconductor industry navigates geopolitical shifts and supply chain complexities, the key materials suppliers who ensure the reliability and performance of fabrication processes are more critical than ever. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the KrF Photoresist Industry—established chemical giants and specialized innovators that form the backbone of modern electronics manufacturing.
🔟 1. JSR Corporation
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: ARF, KrF, and i-line Photoresists, Advanced Packaging Materials
JSR Corporation is a global leader in semiconductor materials, with a particularly strong portfolio in KrF photoresists. Their materials are renowned for high resolution, excellent process latitude, and superior defect control, making them a preferred choice for leading foundries and memory manufacturers worldwide.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Development of ultra-high-resolution KrF resists for <90nm applications
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Expansion into EUV photoresists and directed self-assembly (DSA) materials
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Strategic partnerships with chipmakers for co-development of next-gen processes
Download FREE Sample Report: KrF Photoresist Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (TOK)
Headquarters: Kawasaki, Japan
Key Offering: KrF Photoresists, Ancillary Chemicals (Developers, Removers)
TOK is one of the world’s oldest and most respected photoresist manufacturers, with deep expertise in KrF technology. The company provides a comprehensive suite of lithography materials and has a significant market share, especially in the Asian semiconductor hub.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Focus on environmentally sustainable resist chemistries
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Integration of resist solutions with etching and cleaning processes
8️⃣ 3. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KrF, EUV Photoresists, Silicon Wafers, Photomask Blanks
Shin-Etsu is a diversified chemical giant and a dominant force in the semiconductor ecosystem. Its photoresist division benefits from vertical integration with its massive silicon wafer business, offering unparalleled supply chain stability and material purity.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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High-volume manufacturing of reliable KrF resists for legacy and specialty nodes
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Significant investment in next-generation EUV resist development and production capacity
7️⃣ 4. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (formerly DowDuPont)
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: CYCLOTENE KrF Resists, Riston Dry Film, Electronic Materials
DuPont’s Electronics & Industrial division is a key supplier of advanced materials, including KrF photoresists. The company has a long history of innovation in photopolymer science and provides materials for both semiconductor and PCB fabrication.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Development of low-temperature cure and photosensitive polymers
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Expansion of product lines for advanced fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP)
Download FREE Sample Report: KrF Photoresist Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Fujifilm Electronic Materials
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KrF Photoresists, CMP Slurries, Cleaning Chemicals
Fujifilm has successfully leveraged its expertise in fine chemicals and imaging technology to become a major player in the electronic materials market. Their KrF photoresists are known for their high sensitivity and excellent adhesion properties.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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R&D focused on extending the resolution limits of KrF lithography
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Development of materials for 3D NAND and DRAM fabrication
5️⃣ 6. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KrF Positive/Negative Photoresists, EUV Resists
Sumitomo Chemical is another Japanese chemical conglomerate with a significant presence in the photoresist market. The company offers a broad portfolio of KrF resists tailored for various applications, from logic chips to memory and sensors.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Investments in manufacturing capacity to meet rising demand
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Collaboration with equipment makers for process optimization
4️⃣ 7. Merck KGaA (EMD Performance Materials)
Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: AZ® KrF Photoresists, Lithography Materials Portfolio
Merck KGaA, through its EMD Performance Materials division, is a leading supplier of materials for the electronics industry. The company’s AZ photoresist brand is widely recognized, and it provides crucial materials support to the European and global semiconductor industry.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Focus on materials for patterning challenging structures
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Expansion of its solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and automotive chip sectors
3️⃣ 8. Dongjin Semichem Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Hwaseong, South Korea
Key Offering: KrF Photoresists, OLED Materials, Wet Chemicals
Dongjin Semichem is a major South Korean supplier of electronic chemicals, serving the domestic giants of the semiconductor industry. The company has been aggressively expanding its photoresist capabilities to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the local supply chain.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Localization of high-end photoresist production for Korean chipmakers
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R&D in photoresists for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography applications
2️⃣ 9. Everlight Chemical Industrial Corporation
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Colorants, Specialty Chemicals, KrF Photoresists
Everlight Chemical is a diversified chemical company based in Taiwan, a critical region for global semiconductor manufacturing. The company produces KrF photoresists that support the island’s massive foundry and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) industry.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Development of cost-effective resist formulations
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Strengthening supply chain resilience within the Taiwan semiconductor cluster
1️⃣ 10. Kempur Microelectronics Inc.
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: KrF, ArF Photoresists, G-line/I-line Resists
Kempur Microelectronics is a leading Chinese manufacturer of photoresists, playing a vital role in China’s strategy for semiconductor self-sufficiency. The company is focused on developing and producing mid-to-high-end photoresists to serve the growing domestic market.
Innovation and R&D Focus:
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Rapid scaling of domestic KrF photoresist production capacity
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Government-supported R&D initiatives to close the technology gap with international leaders
Get Full Report Here: KrF Photoresist Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of KrF Photoresist Is Specialized and Resilient
The KrF photoresist market is experiencing a nuanced evolution. While leading-edge logic fabs are transitioning to EUV, KrF technology remains indispensable for a vast array of applications, from power semiconductors and sensors to mature-node MCUs and advanced packaging. The industry’s focus is shifting towards supply chain diversification and specialized formulations for new challenges.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Geopolitical pressures driving regionalization of photoresist supply chains, especially in China and the US
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Increasing demand for KrF resists in advanced packaging, such as 2.5D/3D IC integration and fan-out packaging
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R&D into eco-friendly chemistries with lower environmental impact and reduced PFA (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) content
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Collaborative development between material suppliers and equipment manufacturers to extend the resolution limits of KrF lithography
Get Full Report Here: KrF Photoresist Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only enabling the production of billions of chips—they’re building the material foundation for the next wave of digital transformation.
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