Rapid Growth Driven by High-Tech Industries
Air Liquide projects that South Korea will surpass Japan to become Asia’s second-biggest industrial gases market by 2035, trailing only China. The company’s East Asia Pacific CEO, Park Il-Yong, said the expansion of the country’s semiconductor, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and mobility sectors will sharply boost demand for advanced and high-purity gases. Air Liquide’s recent acquisition of DIG Airgas for roughly $3.3 billion is positioned as a cornerstone of this long-term strategy.
Major Investments Strengthen Market Position
South Korea’s growing importance in global manufacturing and technology has spurred Air Liquide to expand its local footprint. The company has invested in new facilities, including a molybdenum plant in Hwaseong and a production site for krypton and xenon used in electronics manufacturing. DIG Airgas’s 60 plants and extensive 220-kilometer pipeline network are expected to give Air Liquide a dominant operational presence once the acquisition is finalized in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Air Liquide’s Vision for Asia’s Future
Air Liquide views South Korea as a strategic hub for innovation in advanced materials and energy transition technologies. The company said it aims to support the nation’s next wave of industrial transformation by supplying cutting-edge gas solutions tailored to high-performance sectors. The expected market surge aligns with South Korea’s broader ambitions to lead Asia in semiconductor production, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure development.
