Global semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of 2023 grew by nearly 10% year-on-year, driven by active investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and automotive semiconductors.

According to the latest Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) report from SEMI, an industry association representing the global electronics industry supply chain, the global semiconductor equipment market reached $26.8 billion in the first quarter of 2023. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous quarter but a 9% increase compared to the same period last year.

“First-quarter semiconductor equipment sales delivered robust results despite macroeconomic headwinds and a downturn in the semiconductor market,” said Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI. “The semiconductor equipment market also maintains sound fundamentals, particularly with active investment in AI, automotive semiconductors, and other application areas,” he said.

Looking at semiconductor equipment sales by region, Taiwan ranked first globally with $6.93 billion, a 42% increase year-on-year.

Next, China's figure fell 23% year-on-year to $5.86 billion.

Our country's sales increased by 9% year-on-year to $5.62 billion, and North America's sales increased by 50% year-on-year to $3.93 billion.

Japan's investment remained unchanged year-on-year at $1.9 billion, while Europe's investment increased 19% year-on-year to $1.52 billion.

Meanwhile, SEMI's Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS), cited in this announcement, summarizes monthly sales figures for the global semiconductor equipment industry, encompassing wafer processing, assembly and packaging, testing, and other front-end processes (mask/reticle manufacturing, wafer manufacturing, and fab facility equipment). Further details about the report can be found on the SEMI website.