
Global semiconductor equipment sales surge 44% in 2021
Worldwide sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment in 2021 surged 44% to an all-time record of USD 102.6 billion from USD 71.2 billion in 2020, SEMI reports.
China claimed the largest market for semiconductor equipment for the second time with sales expanding 58% to USD 29.6 billion to mark the fourth consecutive year of growth. Korea, the second-largest equipment market, registered a sales increase of 55% to USD 25.0 billion, after showing strong growth in 2020. Taiwan logged 45% growth to USD 24.9 billion to claim the third position. Annual semiconductor equipment spending increased 23% in Europe and 17% in North America, which continues to recover from a contraction in 2020. Sales in Rest of the World jumped 79% in 2021.
"The 44% increase in manufacturing equipment spending in 2021 highlights the global semiconductor industry's aggressive push to add capacity," said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO, in a press release. "This drive to expand production capabilities extends beyond the current supply imbalance, as the industry continues to ramp up to address a wide range of emerging high-tech applications that will enable a smarter digital world with countless social benefits."
Global sales of wafer processing equipment rose 44% in 2021, while other front-end segment sales grew 22%. Assembly and packaging showed exceptional growth across all regions, resulting in an 87% market increase in 2021, while total test equipment sales rose 30%.
Region | 2021 | 2020 | % Change |
China | 29.62 | 18.72 | 58% |
Korea | 24.98 | 16.08 | 55% |
Taiwan | 24.94 | 17.15 | 45% |
Japan | 7.80 | 7.58 | 3% |
North America | 7.61 | 6.53 | 17% |
Rest of the World | 4.44 | 2.48 | 79% |
Europe | 3.25 | 2.64 | 23% |
Total | 102.64 | 71.19 | 44% |
Equipment categories cover wafer processing, assembly and packaging, test, and other front-end equipment including mask/reticle manufacturing, wafer manufacturing, and fab facilities.