With production lines operating at full capacity due to a surge in semiconductor demand, global semiconductor equipment sales are increasing significantly as semiconductor companies in various countries make aggressive investments in production facilities.

According to the latest Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics Report released by SEMI, an industry association representing the global electronics industry supply chain, global semiconductor equipment sales in 2021 reached $102.6 billion, a 44% increase from $71.2 billion in the previous year, as announced on the 14th.



By region, China recorded market growth for the fourth consecutive year, maintaining its position as the largest semiconductor equipment market for the second year in a row with a 58% increase to $29.6 billion this year. South Korea, the second-largest market, recorded $25 billion, a 55% increase year-on-year, followed by Taiwan with $24.9 billion, a 45% increase year-on-year. In addition, the European region showed a growth rate of 23%, and the North American region 17%.

By sector, sales of wafer processing equipment increased by 44% in 2021, while sales in other front-end segments rose by 22%. The assembly and packaging sector experienced an exceptional surge across all regions, recording 87% growth year-over-year. The test equipment sector recorded a growth rate of 30%.

The global semiconductor equipment market statistics report, which compiles data from SEMI and the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ), summarizes monthly investment in the global semiconductor equipment industry and includes data on wafer processing, assembly and packaging, testing and mask/reticle manufacturing, wafer production, fab facilities, etc.

“Investment in semiconductor equipment has increased by 44% due to aggressive moves to increase production in the global semiconductor industry,” said Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI. “These investments will be of great help in resolving semiconductor supply imbalances and will also facilitate the expansion of high-end applications that enable more advanced digitalization in the future.”