The semiconductor industry is experiencing a period of notable growth, with chips powering everything from electric vehicles and industrial automation to smartphones and medical equipment. While much of the conversation focuses on chip designers and manufacturers, the role of materials distributors has never been more critical, especially here in the UK and Ireland, where advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors continue to expand.
Here we explore how the semiconductor boom is shaping the landscape for materials distributors, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and why this moment matters.
Demand for semiconductors continues to accelerate
The global demand for semiconductors is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, according to McKinsey. Closer to home, the UK Government’s National Semiconductor Strategy, launched in 2023, recognises the importance of the sector to the UK economy, aiming to support chip design and advanced packaging and secure access to critical supply chains. Meanwhile, Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a European hub for semiconductor manufacturing, with significant investments from leading technology companies.
This growth translates directly into increased requirements for high-purity chemicals, speciality gases, photoresists and other materials essential for semiconductor fabrication. Materials distributors must therefore be prepared to meet growing demand across industries, including automotive electronics, aerospace, telecommunications, and industrial control systems.
Localisation of supply and regional opportunities
While both the UK and Ireland don’t have the scale of semiconductor fabrication seen in Asia, we do play a critical role in Europe’s advanced technology ecosystem. The drive towards regional supply chain resilience, shaped by lessons learned during the global pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions, is encouraging companies to secure more local and regional sources for materials and components.
For distributors, this presents both opportunities and responsibilities. By building logistics networks, local storage facilities, and responsive supply capabilities close to new and existing semiconductor operations, distributors can become essential partners in reducing risks associated with long-distance supply chains.
Navigating regulatory and geopolitical complexity
The global nature of the semiconductor industry means materials supply chains are subject to international developments, from export restrictions to trade disputes. The UK’s departure from the European Union introduced additional considerations for materials distributors, such as customs procedures, regulatory divergence, and compliance with both UK and EU chemical regulations (including REACH).
At the same time, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain, with potential restrictions on key materials used in some semiconductor processes creating potential supply risks. Distributors must ensure they have diverse sourcing strategies and strong relationships with their suppliers to maintain continuity in the face of shifting regulations and geopolitical events.
Sustainability expectations in focus
Semiconductor manufacturing is resource-intensive, and the industry faces growing expectations to reduce its environmental impact. In the UK and Ireland, customers and regulators are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, with increasing requirements for lower-carbon logistics, solvent recycling, and waste reduction.
Customers increasingly expect transparency on emissions and environmental performance, too. Distributors who can demonstrate alignment with their customers’ sustainability targets are better positioned to build long-term, trusted partnerships.
Meeting the highest standards of quality and reliability
The precision required in semiconductor fabrication demands materials of exceptional purity and consistency. Even the smallest contamination can lead to yield losses worth millions. As chip technologies advance and node sizes continue to shrink, tolerances become even tighter.
Materials distributors must therefore invest in rigorous quality control processes and maintain high standards of traceability and transparency. Partnering with a reliable supplier, staying ahead of industry standards, and ensuring timely, consistent delivery are all essential to meeting customer expectations and building trust.
Providing technical support and added value
Customers increasingly expect their materials partners to offer more than simply supply – they value technical expertise and support. As semiconductor processes evolve, materials distributors who can help customers select the right chemistries, optimise process performance, or address yield challenges provide significant added value.
Whether it’s assisting with new material qualifications or providing guidance on emerging technologies such as advanced packaging, distributors with strong technical capabilities are well placed to become trusted partners across the growing semiconductor ecosystem.
Flexibility to adapt to change
The semiconductor industry is known for its rapid innovation and cyclical nature. Demand patterns can shift quickly, and external factors, from supply chain disruptions to economic changes, can affect material requirements.
Materials distributors who can respond with agility, adjusting sourcing strategies, inventory levels, and delivery capabilities, will be better able to support customers through periods of volatility.
How A-Gas supports the semiconductor supply chain
Here at A-Gas EM, we play a vital role in supporting the semiconductor sector by supplying the high-purity chemicals, equipment and technical expertise needed to maintain stable, high-performance manufacturing environments.
Our portfolio includes a wide range of specialist products used in semiconductor production, from ultra-high-purity acids and solvents to etchants, developers and additives. These materials are sourced through trusted, established supply chains and meet the exacting purity and specification requirements demanded by advanced manufacturing processes.
What truly sets us apart is our technical support offering. Our laboratory and field-based teams provide analytical services and process guidance to help manufacturers improve control, reduce downtime and make informed, data-led decisions. Whether verifying chemical stability, supporting new material qualification, or troubleshooting a production issue, we’re on hand to help.
With local warehousing, regulatory expertise and responsive service based in the UK, we’re able to support semiconductor manufacturers with reduced lead times, tailored support and enhanced supply chain resilience.
As the global demand for semiconductors continues to rise, so too does the importance of a stable, agile and quality-assured materials supply chain. A-Gas EM is committed to helping our customers meet these challenges, with the products, expertise and local presence that keep semiconductor manufacturing moving.
Want to know more about our expertise here at A-Gas EM or how we can support your operations? Whether you’re navigating compliance, looking for technical advice, or exploring new supply partnerships, our team is here to help.
Get in touch via our contact page, or connect with Jon Sellars on LinkedIn for more insights and industry conversation.
