Silicon tetrachloride, also known as tetrachlorosilane (TCS), is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SiCl4. It is an important chemical intermediate, widely used in the production of polysilicon for the semiconductor industry. Silicon tetrachloride is a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. It has a boiling point of 57°C and is denser than water. Some key advantages of silicon tetrachloride include high purity levels, minimal contamination which is essential for semiconductor manufacturing. It also provides superior heat transfer properties. With the growing demand for semiconductors and electronic devices, the need for high purity silicon feedstock like silicon tetrachloride is increasing substantially.
The Global Silicon Tetrachloride Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.33 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Silicon Tetrachloride Market Growth are Tokuyama Chemicals Co. Ltd, Evonik Industries, PCC Group, Shandong Xinlong Group Co Ltd, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., Merck KGaA, Dow Corning, ATCO, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, Reade International Corp, Alfa Aesar, Vizag Chemicals, Ennore India Chemicals, and RX CHEMICALS. With the growing consumption of electronic products, the demand for semiconductors and polysilicon is also increasing considerably over the years. This will propel the market for silicon tetrachloride. Technological advancements in the semiconductor industry towards miniaturization has increased the complexity and purity requirements of silicon feedstock like silicon tetrachloride.
Market Trends
Innovation in manufacturing process: Key players are focusing on developing more efficient production technologies like the Siemens process to increase yields and minimize costs. This will make silicon tetrachloride more affordable.
Rising outsourcing activities: Many semiconductor manufacturers are outsourcing the silicon feedstock production to specialized chemical companies to focus on their core competencies. This is expected to boost the demand for silicon tetrachloride.
Market Opportunities
Investments in fab capacity expansions: Leading foundries are expanding and setting up additional manufacturing facilities worldwide to cater to the rising semiconductor demand. This would fuel the consumption of silicon tetrachloride.
Growth in end-use applications: Expanding applications of semiconductors in various sectors like automotive, IoT, renewable energy offers significant opportunities for silicon tetrachloride market over the forecast period.
Impact of COVID-19 on Silicon Tetrachloride Market Growth
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the silicon tetrachloride market growth. The imposition of lockdowns resulted in temporary closure of manufacturing facilities of silicon tetrachloride. This led to disruption in the supply chain and shortage of raw materials. Decreased demand from end-use industries like electronics, automotive and construction further slowed down the market growth. Many companies faced issues related to cash flow constraints due to which they had to decrease or delay their capital investments. However, with easing of lockdown restrictions and resumption of manufacturing activities, the demand is expected to bounce back in post-COVID period. The focus on development of 5G infrastructure and technologies will help fuel the demand of silicon tetrachloride from electronics sector in coming years.
North America holds the largest share in silicon tetrachloride market in terms of value. Due to strong presence of electronics industry in countries like US and Canada, the demand for silicon tetrachloride is high in the region. Europe is another major regional market on account of robust automotive manufacturing sector. The increasing focus on electric vehicles provides growth opportunities to silicon tetrachloride market players in Europe. Asia Pacific region is poised to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. This is attributed to growing semiconductor fabrication and electronics manufacturing industry in emerging economies of China and India. Rapid urbanization and industrialization coupled with rising disposable incomes have accelerated the demand of consumer electronics, thereby augmenting the silicon tetrachloride consumption in Asia Pacific.
Geographical regions with high concentration of silicon tetrachloride market in terms of value include United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Germany. These countries have strong manufacturing base for electronics, automotive and construction industries which are major end-use sectors of silicon tetrachloride. Among them, China represents the most lucrative market owing to presence of leading semiconductor manufacturers and robust growth of electronics industry.
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