Global semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of this year: 26 trillion won
South Korea's sales increased by 118% compared to the same period last year
Despite investment policies, the U.S., Japan, Europe, etc., declined


The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) announced on the 3rd, through its latest 'World Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS)' report, that global semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of this year increased by 51% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately $23.6 billion (about 26 trillion won).

South Korea recorded the highest semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of this year, reaching approximately $7.31 billion. This represents a 118% increase compared to the same period last year and an 82% increase compared to the previous quarter. China (approximately $5.96 billion) and Taiwan (approximately $5.71 billion) followed. Other regions, including Japan, North America, and Europe, totaled only $4.6 billion. Notably, the United States, Japan, and Europe—which have declared their intention to secure semiconductor manufacturing capabilities—saw a decline compared to both the same period last year and the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the WWSEMS report is compiled based on data provided by SEMI member companies and the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ) and summarizes the monthly sales of the global semiconductor equipment industry. The equipment covered in the report includes wafer manufacturing, processing, and assembly equipment; packaging and testing equipment; mask and reticle manufacturing equipment; and fab equipment.