Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of the semiconductor industry has intensified competition in the photoresist market, prompting raw material companies to expand downstream into the photoresist sector to enhance their business scope and resource integration [1]. Group 1: Market Demand and Growth Potential - The semiconductor market is experiencing significant growth due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, leading to a substantial increase in demand for computing chips. Additionally, the continuous growth of wafer production capacity in mainland China, focusing on mature processes, is driving the demand for semiconductor photoresists. It is predicted that by 2025, the market size for semiconductor photoresists in mainland China will reach 4.985 billion yuan [4]. - The domestic photoresist market has long relied on imports, with a very low localization rate for high-end photoresists. In the context of "import substitution," the government has introduced a series of policies to support the development of the semiconductor materials industry. Companies expanding into photoresists and their raw materials can help break foreign monopolies and meet the urgent demand for photoresists in the domestic semiconductor industry [6]. Group 2: Strategic Transformation and Market Competitiveness Enhancement - By producing their own raw materials, photoresist companies can reduce procurement costs, thereby increasing profit margins [7]. - The stability of raw material supply is crucial in the photoresist industry chain. Raw material companies expanding into photoresists can better integrate the supply chain, reducing production risks associated with fluctuations in raw material supply and enhancing supply chain stability and controllability [7]. - Expanding into the photoresist sector allows upstream raw material companies to diversify their business and reduce reliance on a single product. Conversely, photoresist companies moving upstream can better meet the downstream market's demand for high-end photoresists, especially in advanced processes [7]. - By extending into the photoresist field, companies can establish closer relationships with downstream customers, increasing customer loyalty and further enhancing market share [7]. - The government has implemented a series of policies to support the semiconductor materials industry, including tax incentives, industrial fund support, research project support, and standardization efforts. These policies are aimed at fostering the development of the semiconductor materials sector [7]. - The development of the photoresist industry requires collaborative efforts between upstream and downstream companies. A comprehensive industry chain layout can help form industry alliances to jointly promote the development of the photoresist sector [7].