We had the pleasure of speaking with President Tadahiro Yoshida of Nihon Kessho Kagaku Co., Ltd., about the critical role of high-purity calcium fluoride in EUV lithography, the global supply challenges it poses, and the company’s steady, trust-based approach to growth amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and market landscape. Read an excerpt from the interview below.
As semiconductor demand grows, what new requirements have emerged for calcium fluoride (CaF₂) lithography and laser equipment? How do you see this market evolving?
CaF₂ is essential for EUV lithography used in next-gen 2nm chips due to its ability to transmit short wavelengths. However, only 2–3 companies globally can grow the high-purity, large CaF₂ crystals required, making it a serious bottleneck. Meeting demand is difficult and we’re under pressure to scale up production without compromising quality. As for the market outlook, the semiconductor industry tends to follow cyclical trends rather than linear growth. While demand is strong, concerns about oversupply and China’s role make the future complex.
What’s your future vision, and how do you plan to expand internationally?
The ASEAN region is seeing growing demand, but local supply often comes from North America and Europe. Since we supply materials to these Western manufacturers, we’re indirectly supporting the Asian market’s expansion — an interesting ripple effect in global supply chains.
What does the future look like for your company, and what do you hope to achieve over the next few years? What is your plan for further international expansion?
Rather than chasing specific numbers, our priority is to remain a trusted, long-term partner for our clients. While BRICS markets are of interest, geopolitical tensions — especially involving the U.S., China, and Russia — make expansion tricky. Still, we aim to grow steadily and stay resilient in a volatile world.
