BASF Expands Production of Semiconductor-Grade Sulfuric Acid to Meet Growing European Demand

BASF Expands Production of Semiconductor-Grade Sulfuric Acid to Meet Growing European Demand

(IN BRIEF) BASF is expanding its production of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany to meet the growing demand for chip manufacturing in Europe. The new facility, set to begin operations by 2027, will support key customers in the automotive, mobile communications, and AI chip sectors. This expansion ensures a reliable supply of high-purity chemicals, minimizing lead times and enhancing supply chain reliability. BASF’s investment reflects its commitment to supporting the semiconductor industry’s growth in Europe and strengthening its long-term customer relationships.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 30-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF is significantly expanding its production capacity for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4), an ultra-pure chemical critical for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The new facility at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site in Germany will feature state-of-the-art purity capabilities, aiming to serve the rapidly growing demand for chip manufacturing in Europe. The facility is expected to begin operations by 2027, aligning with the capacity expansions of key customers. BASF’s investment in this new plant is expected to reach a high double-digit million-euro range.

As Europe sees a surge in new and expanded chip manufacturing plants, the demand for high-purity semiconductor-grade chemicals, including sulfuric acid, has grown substantially. This expansion is driven by BASF’s close collaboration with a key partner who is currently building a new chip production facility in Europe. The chips produced will be essential for automotive, mobile communications, and AI chip applications. BASF’s investment in the semiconductor chemical value chain is fueled by long-term customer-supplier relationships with strategic partners.

The new plant will ensure a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, produced locally. This proximity to key customers’ operations will enhance supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and allow BASF to provide quick support, further solidifying its commitment to the semiconductor sector.

Anup Kothari, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for the Dispersions & Resins division, stated: “We are proud to be the trusted partner of choice for key semiconductor players and to contribute to establishing a resilient supply chain for advanced semiconductor materials in Europe. This strategic move reflects BASF’s dedication to supporting the growth of Europe’s semiconductor industry and leveraging the capabilities of the Ludwigshafen Verbund site.”

BASF is a global leader in providing high-purity bulk chemicals and specialized formulations for the semiconductor industry. The company’s extensive portfolio supports semiconductor production processes, including cleaning, etching, metal deposition, and chemical mechanical planarization.

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division

The Dispersions & Resins division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality polymer dispersions, resins, additives and electronic materials worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for several industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and extensive      knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Resins division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Resins division, please visit www.dispersions-resins.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Vivian Zee
Tel: +852 2731 4542
email: vivian.zee@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF