光刻胶：半导体制造的“卡脖子”难题，国产替代之路在何方？

Core Viewpoint - Photoresist is a critical material in semiconductor manufacturing, often referred to as the "brush" for chip production, but it presents significant challenges for domestic companies due to high technical barriers and market monopolies by international giants [2][24]. Group 1: Challenges in Photoresist Production - High technical barriers exist due to complex chemical formulations required for different types of photoresists, such as EUV photoresist, which demands exceptional sensitivity and resolution [4][6]. - Strict purity requirements for photoresist directly impact chip yield and performance, necessitating control at ppb (parts per billion) or even ppt (parts per trillion) levels [7][8]. - Advanced production equipment is essential for photoresist manufacturing, but most of this technology is monopolized by foreign companies, making it difficult for domestic firms to acquire [9]. Group 2: Raw Material Supply Issues - Resin, a core raw material in photoresist, constitutes 10%-40% of the total weight and varies by type, with high-end resins primarily imported due to complex synthesis technologies [11][12]. - Photoinitiators, crucial for initiating photochemical reactions, are predominantly supplied by foreign firms, creating a gap in domestic production capabilities [14]. - Solvents used in photoresist must meet high purity standards, with domestic companies needing to enhance quality control to meet the demands of high-end photoresists [15]. Group 3: Market Landscape - The global photoresist market is dominated by a few international giants, with the top five companies holding over 85% market share, creating significant entry barriers for domestic firms [16][29]. - The domestic photoresist market is growing, with a projected CAGR of about 10% from 2024 to 2029, but high-end products remain largely reliant on imports [28][30]. Group 4: Opportunities for Domestic Companies - National policies are increasingly supportive of the semiconductor industry, including funding and technical guidance for photoresist development [33][34]. - Domestic companies are making strides in the mid-to-low-end photoresist market and are beginning to penetrate the high-end segment, with firms like Nanda Optoelectronics and Beijing Kehua achieving significant milestones [30][31]. Group 5: Investment Considerations - The growing demand for photoresist driven by advancements in semiconductor technology presents investment opportunities, particularly in high-end products [41][42]. - Investors should focus on companies with strong technical capabilities, market competitiveness, and experienced management teams to maximize returns [48][49][50].