South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Agrochemicals, Polymer Additives, Construction Chemicals, Water Treatment Chemicals, Oil Field Chemicals, Food Additives, Surfactants, Electronic Chemicals, Specialty Polymers, and Others), and South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Size was Estimated at USD 19,156.9 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.40 % from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 34,163.7 Million by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 34,163.7 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.40% from 2025 to 2035. The major factors propelling the market include the growing dependence of the industrial sector on specialty chemicals, the incorporation of nanotechnology and advanced materials science, the execution of various government policies and initiatives, and the growing cooperation between manufacturers and academic and research institutions.

Market Overview

The South Korea specialty chemicals market chemical products made for particular industrial, commercial, and consumer uses make up the South Korean specialty chemicals market. To improve productivity, quality, and sustainability in a variety of industries, such as electronics, automotive, construction, and agriculture, these chemicals are made from organic and inorganic compounds, polymers, and cutting-edge biochemical substances. Additionally, the market is expanding favorably as a result of the adoption of numerous government programs and policies that support green chemistry and sustainable practices, which in turn promote the creation of environmentally friendly specialty chemicals. Additionally, the market is expected to grow due to the rising demand for products in South Korea's pharmaceutical and healthcare industries for sanitation, hygiene, and medicine manufacturing. Aside from this, the market is expanding due to the growing cooperation between manufacturers and academic and research institutions, which offers a robust talent pool and chances for chemical research and development (R&D). Moreover, the chemical industry's increasing digital transformation is driving market expansion through the use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics that facilitate more effective and optimized production processes.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea specialty chemicals market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea specialty chemicals market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea specialty chemicals market.

Driving Factors

The key factors driving market expansion is the industrial sector's increasing reliance on specialty chemicals for efficiency and innovation. The market is expanding as a result of the increased use of these products in semiconductor manufacturing for chip fabrication. The market expansion is also being driven by the extensive use of specialty chemicals in the automotive sector for the production of batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), and lightweight materials. In addition to this, the development of superior specialty chemicals through the integration of nanotechnology and advanced materials science in chemical manufacturing is driving market expansion. Moreover, the country's well-established trade networks and advantageous geographic location, which make it easier to export specialty chemicals, are driving the market's expansion. In addition, a growing middle class and a greater emphasis on performance and quality in consumer goods are driving up domestic demand for specialty chemicals.

Restraining Factors

South Korean chemical companies are being forced to invest in environmentally friendly practices and technologies due to strict environmental regulations and the global push towards sustainability. Long-term viability depends on these initiatives, but they also come with high compliance costs and demand large R&D expenditures.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market share is classified into type.

• The electronic chemicals segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea specialty chemicals market is segmented by type into agrochemicals, polymer additives, construction chemicals, water treatment chemicals, oil field chemicals, food additives, surfactants, electronic chemicals, specialty polymers, and others. Among these, the electronic chemicals segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. These chemicals are a major force behind the nation's industrial development since they are necessary for the production of semiconductors, display technologies, and sophisticated electronics.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea specialty chemicals market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• JMC Corporation
• NEST-FILLER PKG
• FAM International Corp
• Next Pangaea Inc.
• NEOTOP
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In November 2024, South Korea prepared a significant restructuring plan for its struggling petrochemical sector in response to market oversupply and growing competition from Chinese competitors. By reorienting the industry's focus from basic chemicals to high-value specialty chemicals, the government aimed to boost competitiveness by enticing local businesses to invest in lucrative products and pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Specialty Chemicals Market, By Type

• Agrochemicals
• Polymer Additives
• Construction Chemicals
• Water Treatment Chemicals
• Oil Field Chemicals
• Food Additives
• Surfactants
• Electronic Chemicals
• Specialty Polymers
• Others