In the first quarter of 2021, Korea's semiconductor equipment sales declined 29% year-over-year, showing the steepest decline in the global market.

SEMI, an industry association representative of the global electronics industry supply chain, recently released the 'Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS)' report.

According to the report, worldwide semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of 2022 reached $24.69 billion, up 5% year-over-year.

Since the first quarter is typically an off-season for the semiconductor equipment market, this quarter's sales declined 10% compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2021).

By region, Korea recorded $5.15 billion, down 29% year-over-year, showing the steepest decline.

China posted the highest sales at $7.57 billion, up 27% year-over-year. Taiwan recorded $4.88 billion, down 15% year-over-year. North America reached $2.62 billion, up 96% year-over-year, and Japan recorded $1.9 billion, up 15% year-over-year.

Europe reached $1.28 billion, up 119% year-over-year, and other regions recorded $1.29 billion, up 27% year-over-year.