NF3 Exit Confirmed by Mitsui Chemicals 2026 Deadline Signals Strategic Industry Shift

On May 26, Japanese chemical giant Mitsui Chemicals announced it will terminate its nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) operations by the end of March 2026, with all product sales to conclude within the same year. The decision affects the NF3 production carried out by its wholly owned subsidiary in Shimonoseki.

The company cited severe pricing pressure from overseas competitors, along with rising costs of raw materials, utilities, and maintenance, as key factors that have made the business unsustainable. Despite various efforts in cost optimization and operational efficiency, profitability remained elusive.

NF3 is a specialty gas primarily used in semiconductor and LCD equipment cleaning, previously managed under Mitsui’s ICT Solutions division.

This move aligns with Mitsui Chemicals’ “VISION 2030”, a long-term roadmap focusing on business transformation. The company aims to pivot toward high-growth, high-margin specialty chemicals and green chemistry initiatives built around competitive derivatives. The NF3 withdrawal is a calculated step to better align with this forward-looking strategy and concentrate on areas with more robust profitability potential.