Positive Photoresist Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Positive Tone Photoresist Type I, Positive Tone Photoresist Type II), By Application (Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits (ICs), LCD and Display Panels, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Lift-Off Processes, Photonic Devices & MEMS, Solar Cells, Sensor Fabrication), By End-User (Consumer Electronics, Automotive Electronics, Healthcare & Medical Devices, Telecommunications, Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Equipment), And By Geography – Forecasts From 2025 To 2030

Positive Photoresist Market Size:

The positive photoresist market is expected to witness robust growth over the forecast period.

The market for positive photoresist has evolved into an essential component of the production of innovative materials, microelectronics, and semiconductors. The usage of light-sensitive materials, which alter chemically when exposed to light, defines this market. These modifications make it possible to create complex patterns that are necessary for a wide range of electronic devices, from advanced computer systems to cell phones. The use of positive photoresist is widespread and has a big influence on industries like healthcare, automotive, and telecommunications. They are essential to the telecommunications industry for manufacturing parts like antenna systems and radio frequency devices. These materials are used by the automotive industry to make sensors and microcontrollers, which help to propel the development of smart cars. Positive photoresists are also utilized in the healthcare industry to fabricate biosensors and medical gadgets, demonstrating their adaptability and crucial part in the continuous technological developments in a variety of domains. 

---

Positive Photoresist Market Overview & Scope:   

The positive photoresist market is segmented by:      

• Type: The market for positive photoresist by type is divided into positive tone photoresist type I and positive tone photoresist type II. When high throughput and a thicker coating are needed, Positive Tone Photoresist Type I is frequently utilized in general microfabrication.
• Application: The market for positive photoresist is divided into semiconductors & integrated circuits (ICs), LCD and display panels, printed circuit boards (PCBs), lift-off processes, photonic devices & mems, solar cells, and sensor fabrication. MEMS and Photonic Devices market is expanding quickly because of the growing use of wearable technology, smartphones, and Internet of Things sensors, and the expansion of sensors and micro-actuators in automotive applications.  
• End-User: The market for positive photoresist by end-user is divided into consumer electronics, automotive electronics, healthcare & medical devices, telecommunications, aerospace & defense, and industrial equipment. The expanding integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the development of electric vehicles (EVs), and autonomous driving technologies are all contributing to the automotive electronics industry's rapid growth.
• Region:  The market is segmented into five major geographic regions, namely North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the market, and it will be growing at the fastest CAGR.  

---

Top Trends Shaping the Positive Photoresist Market:

1. Technological Developments and New Applications

• The market for positive photoresist offers several potential prospects, especially due to new applications and technological developments.  The need for highly integrated circuits keeps growing as more sectors embrace automation and smart technology.  As the automobile industry moves toward electrified and driverless cars, there is a growing need for complex electrical parts that depend on premium photoresists. 

2. Increasing Interest in Micro-Electromechanical Systems and Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), which call for specific photoresist formulations, are gaining popularity.  Partnerships between producers and academic institutions may result in the creation of novel materials that improve functionality and lower expenses, maintaining the competitiveness of the positive photoresist industry.

Positive Photoresist Market Growth Drivers vs. Challenges:   

Opportunities:

• The Semiconductor Industry's Exponential Expansion: The semiconductor industry's exponential growth, which is being driven by the rise of IoT devices, consumer electronics, and automotive applications, is one of the main factors propelling the positive photoresist market. According to the Consumer Technology Association, the worldwide consumer electronics market is expected to grow to $2.5 trillion by 2025. High-performance photoresists that facilitate more intricate and accurate microfabrication processes are in high demand because of this growth. Additionally, the demand for sophisticated positive photoresists that can survive the demanding requirements of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing is being driven by advancements in photolithography techniques, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography.
• Changing Renewable Energy Technology Landscape: The changing field of renewable energy technology, especially in the manufacturing of solar cells, is another important consideration. The use of positive photoresists in the production of solar cells is growing in popularity since it allows for increased dependability and efficiency. The market for positive photoresist has a rare chance to grow and reach new markets due to this expansion. For example, the development of more efficient and sustainable photoresists is spurring technologies that have the potential to significantly boost several industries.

Challenges:

• The High Price of Sophisticated Photoresist Substances: The market is not without its difficulties, even with the optimistic outlook. New players face major obstacles to entry due to the high cost of modern photoresist materials and the complexity of their manufacture. To create specialized formulas, for example, some of the top manufacturers have made significant investments in research and development. This has led to higher operating expenses, which may restrict accessibility for smaller businesses. Furthermore, strict laws governing the use of chemicals and their effects on the environment are pressuring producers to make investments in environmentally friendly methods, which could raise manufacturing prices even further.  

Positive Photoresist Market Regional Analysis: 

• Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the market leader for positive photoresist worldwide. The growing demand for consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and smart devices has led to the establishment of some of the biggest semiconductor and display panel manufacturing centers in the world. In addition to being the fastest-growing regional market, APAC is home to a significant number of MEMS foundries, PCB producers, and IC fabs. 
• China: China is making significant investments to develop its microelectronics industry. Although it currently relies on imported photoresists from South Korea and Japan, government-funded research and development initiatives are helping regional businesses, such as Shanghai Sinyang, Rongda Photosensitive, and Suzhou Ruihong, create high-purity photoresist solutions domestically. Sustained demand is influenced by China's enormous consumer electronics market, its status as the largest manufacturer of display panels worldwide, and the quick development of its EV and 5G sectors.
• Japan: Japan continues to be a major player in the global market for positive photoresists due to its unparalleled proficiency in creating high-purity, chemically sophisticated resists appropriate for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography. Japanese firms that supply vital ingredients to foundries in Asia and the US, such as Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK), JSR Corporation, Shin-Etsu Chemical, and Fujifilm, control worldwide supply chains.

Positive Photoresist Market Competitive Landscape:       

The market is moderately fragmented, with many key players including Shin-Etsu Chemical, Fujifilm Electronics, Sumitomo Chemical, Merck, Allresist, Avantor Performance Materials, Microchemicals, Chimei, LG Chemical, and DNP.

• Acquisition: In February 2025, after lowering its borrowing, Japanese chip materials manufacturer Resonac Holdings declared its intention to seek acquisitions. The corporation wants to be involved when a state-backed fund pulls out of a joint venture, JSR, a photoresist manufacturer that the fund had privatized the year before.
• Expansion: In June 2024, to produce LithomaxTM photosensitive polymers, which are necessary for semiconductor photoresists, Mitsubishi Chemical Group increased its production capacity. To address the expected rise in demand and fortify the supply chain, Mitsubishi Chemical built a new facility at its Kyushu-Fukuoka Plant in Kitakyushu City, Japan.

Positive Photoresist Market Segmentation:       

By Type

• Positive Tone Photoresist Type I
• Positive Tone Photoresist Type II

By Application

• Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits (ICs)
• LCD and Display Panels
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Lift-Off Processes
• Photonic Devices & MEMS
• Solar Cells
• Sensor Fabrication

By End-User

• Consumer Electronics
• Automotive Electronics
• Healthcare & Medical Devices
• Telecommunications
• Aerospace & Defense
• Industrial Equipment

By Region

• North America
  • USA
  • Mexico
  • Others
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Others
• Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Others
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Others

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

2. MARKET SNAPSHOT

2.1. Market Overview

2.2. Market Definition

2.3. Scope of the Study

2.4. Market Segmentation

3. BUSINESS LANDSCAPE 

3.1. Market Drivers

3.2. Market Restraints

3.3. Market Opportunities 

3.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

3.5. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.6. Policies and Regulations 

3.7. Strategic Recommendations 

4. TECHNOLOGICAL OUTLOOK

5. POSITIVE PHOTORESIST MARKET BY TYPE 

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Positive Tone Photoresist Type I

5.3. Positive Tone Photoresist Type II

6. POSITIVE PHOTORESIST MARKET BY APPLICATION

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits (ICs)

6.3. LCD and Display Panels

6.4. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

6.5. Lift-Off Processes

6.6. Photonic Devices & MEMS

6.7. Solar Cells

6.8. Sensor Fabrication

7. POSITIVE PHOTORESIST MARKET BY  END-USER

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Consumer Electronics

7.3. Automotive Electronics

7.4. Healthcare & Medical Devices

7.5. Telecommunications

7.6. Aerospace & Defense

7.7. Industrial Equipment

8. POSITIVE PHOTORESIST MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY   

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. By Type 

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By End-User

8.2.4. By Country

8.2.4.1. USA

8.2.4.2. Canada

8.2.4.3. Mexico

8.3. South America

8.3.1. By Type 

8.3.2. By Application

8.3.3. By End-User

8.3.4. By Country

8.3.4.1. Brazil

8.3.4.2. Argentina

8.3.4.3. Others

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. By Type 

8.4.2. By Application

8.4.3. By End-User

8.4.4. By Country

8.4.4.1. United Kingdom

8.4.4.2. Germany

8.4.4.3. France

8.4.4.4. Spain

8.4.4.5. Others

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. By Type 

8.5.2. By Application

8.5.3. By End-User

8.5.4. By Country

8.5.4.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.4.2. UAE

8.5.4.3. Others

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. By Type 

8.6.2. By Application

8.6.3. By End-User

8.6.4. By Country 

8.6.4.1. China

8.6.4.2. Japan

8.6.4.3. India 

8.6.4.4. South Korea

8.6.4.5. Taiwan

8.6.4.6. Others

9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS 

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. Shin-Etsu Chemical

10.2. Fujifilm Electronics

10.3. Sumitomo Chemical

10.4. Merck

10.5. Allresist

10.6. Avantor Performance Materials

10.7. Microchemicals

10.8. Chimei

10.9. LG Chemical

10.10. DNP

11. APPENDIX

11.1. Currency 

11.2. Assumptions

11.3. Base and Forecast Years Timeline

11.4. Key benefits for the stakeholders

11.5. Research Methodology 

11.6. Abbreviations 

Shin-Etsu Chemical

Fujifilm Electronics

Sumitomo Chemical

Merck

Allresist

Avantor Performance Materials

Microchemicals

Chimei

LG Chemical

DNP