中国光刻胶，如何突围？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant progress made by Chinese companies in the development of photoresists, a critical material for semiconductor manufacturing, while highlighting the substantial gap that still exists compared to Japanese firms in terms of technology and market share [1][13][18]. Group 1: Importance of Photoresists - Photoresists are essential materials used in the photolithography process of chip manufacturing, impacting the yield and quality of end products [6][7]. - The market size of photoresists is closely linked to the manufacturing capabilities of smart equipment, making it a key indicator of semiconductor technology levels [7][9]. Group 2: Progress in Domestic Production - Over the past two decades, China has prioritized the development of the photoresist industry, with significant policy support aimed at achieving domestic production [7][12]. - By 2023, the domestic photoresist market is estimated to be around 12.1 billion yuan, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 10% over the next five years [13]. Group 3: Comparison with Japan - Despite progress, China's photoresist production remains significantly behind Japan, with domestic high-end photoresist localization rates being extremely low, particularly for EUV photoresists [13][15]. - Japanese companies dominate the global market, holding over 90% market share in high-end photoresists, with four out of the five largest manufacturers being Japanese [13][15]. Group 4: Barriers to Entry - Japanese firms have established strong technical, industry, and market barriers, making it difficult for new entrants to compete [18][20]. - The historical development of technology and the establishment of deep collaborations with downstream wafer manufacturers have solidified Japan's leading position in the photoresist market [20][21]. Group 5: Future Directions for China - To break the monopoly and reduce the gap with Japanese companies, Chinese firms need to enhance R&D efforts and focus on mastering core technologies [21][26]. - The establishment of a complete industrial ecosystem, including the development of domestic photolithography machines, is crucial for the long-term success of China's photoresist industry [26][29].