BASF Invests in New Semiconductor-Grade Sulfuric Acid Plant in Ludwigshafen

BASF will invest hundreds of millions of euros to expand its production capacity of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, an important ultra-pure chemical. The new production facility in Ludwigshafen, Germany, will be equipped with advanced purification capabilities to meet the growing demand for advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing across Europe. The facility is expected to be operational in 2027, in sync with the capacity expansion of major customers.

With the construction or expansion of several new chip manufacturing plants in Europe, the demand for high-quality, high-purity semiconductor-grade chemicals such as sulfuric acid is growing. It is reported that BASF's partners are currently building a new chip production plant in Europe, which has accelerated the growth of this demand. These chips are used in automotive, mobile communications and artificial intelligence chip applications. BASF is investing in the semiconductor chemical value chain based on long-term customer-supplier mutual commitments with strategic partners.

The expansion will ensure a reliable and continuous supply of locally produced high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, thereby greatly improving the supply chain reliability of BASF's partners.

“We are honored to have earned the trust of key players in the semiconductor industry and become their preferred partner for building the future supply chain for advanced semiconductor materials in Europe,” said Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and head of the Dispersions & Resins business unit. “This strategic move underscores BASF’s commitment to supporting the development of the advanced semiconductor industry in Europe while further leveraging the strengths of our Verbund site in Ludwigshafen.”