European Market for Electronic Chemicals

Published by: Frost & Sullivan

Published: May. 24, 2007 - 117 Pages

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

1. Introduction

1. Description

2. Summary of Research Findings

1. Market Opportunities and Forecasts

2. Trends by Product Type

3. Conclusion

1. Conclusion

2. Introduction to the Market

1. Printed Circuit Boards

1. Fabrication of Printed Circuit Boards

3. Directives

1. Directives Influencing the Electronic Chemical Manufacturers in Europe

1. RoHS and WEEE Directives

4. Market Challenges

1. Challenges within the Printed Circuit Boards Industry

1. Key Challenges for Electronic Chemicals Manufacturers

5. Total European Market for Electronic Chemicals

1. The Total European Market

1. Market Overview and Definitions

2. Market Engineering Analysis

3. Market Drivers

a. Growth in Key Business Sectors Ignites Application

b. Sustained Demand from End-users Ignites Growth Potentials

c. Continuous Improvements in Product Efficiency Boosts Sales

d. Widespread Usage of PCB's Contribute to its Sustained Growth

e. Flexibility in PCB Fabrication Offers Scope for Growth

4. Market Restraints

a. Relocation of Production Capacities Declines Growth Opportunities

b. Low Profit Margins for Manufacturers Deters Application

c. Advancements in Electronic Industry Impedes Growth Opportunities

d. Restriction on Application of Chemicals Encumbers Market Opportunities

5. Mergers and Acquisitions

6. Market Forecasts

7. Competitive Structure Analysis

6. Analysis of Laminating Resins Market

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

7. Analysis of Plating Chemicals Market

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

8. Analysis of Primary Imaging Resists Market

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

9. Analysis of Encapsulants and Conformal Coatings Market

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

10. Analysis of Solder Masks Market

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

11. Analysis of Other Segments

1. Market Overview

1. Introduction

2. Market Engineering Analysis

2. Market Dynamics

1. Market Drivers

2. Market Restraints

3. Market Forecasts and Trends

1. Revenue and Price Forecasts

2. Competitive Structure

12. Topics of Interest

1. Technological Trends

1. Global Trends in Electronic Chemicals Industry

2. Semiconductors

2. Recyclability of Printed Circuit Boards

1. Elimination of PCB Contaminants

13. Strategic Recommendations

1. Conclusion

1. Conclusion

2. Recommendations

1. Recommendations for the European Market for Electronic Chemicals

14. Database of Key Industry Participants

1. Profile of Key Industry Participants

1. Active Industry Participants of the European Market for Electronic Chemicals

Abstract

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled European Market for Electronic Chemicals provides a detailed analysis in terms of forecasts by product type. This research service reviews the principal market drivers and restraints and examines technological trends in the PCB industry. Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following product types: laminating resins, plating chemicals, primary imaging resists, encapsulants and conformal coatings, solder masks and other auxiliary products.

Inevitable Drop in Demand for Electronic Chemicals as PCB Production Falls

The European electronic chemicals market is approaching a state of saturation, largely due to the replacement of printed circuit boards (PCB’s) by more advanced technologies in several industrial applications. Declining demand for PCB’s inevitably affects the demand for electronic chemicals, which are widely used in their fabrication. Low production of PCB’s will also impact the selling price of electronic chemicals in Europe, eventually resulting in dwindling profit margins for manufacturers. Due to the shift of PCB production capacities to low-cost Asian countries, it is not surprising that the European electronic chemicals market is witnessing either the exit of many participants or mergers of smaller participants with market leaders.

On a positive note, it seems unlikely that Asian chemistries will fully replace European ones or that newer and more sophisticated technologies will completely substitute PCB’s in all industrial applications. Despite the admittedly restricted application scope for PCB’s today, continuing demand from sectors such as the automobile industry will drive PCB demand and sustain the growth of the electronic chemicals market to some extent.

Market Grapples with Pricing Issues

Perhaps the biggest challenge that electronic chemical manufacturers are facing is the high costs of production of PCB’s and electronic chemicals. These production costs are unlikely to be in line with selling prices, which will, in turn, impact the prices of electronic chemicals as the two industries are closely linked to one another. Declining PCB prices are not only due to reduced demand and lower production levels, but also the result of production shifting to cost-effective Asian countries. Thus, the challenge for European electronic chemical manufacturers will be to promote PCB products in the hope of increasing PCB sales and boosting selling prices of electronic chemicals.

While the future outlook is definitely challenging, PCB’s will continue to benefit from automotive and other end-user applications. Automotive applications of PCB’s are projected to grow at around 4 to 5 percent annually in Europe. "In spite of its replacement in most telecommunication applications, the demand for PCB’s from the automobile industry can be a key factor promoting the growth of the electronic chemicals market in Europe," says the analyst. "This is due to the linearity in the growth relationship between PCB’s and electronic chemicals."

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