Korea is expected to make the second-largest investment after China among countries investing in 300mm fab equipment from 2026 to 2028.

According to the latest '300mm Fab Outlook Report' released by SEMI, an industry association representing the global electronics industry supply chain, global investment in 300mm fab equipment is projected to reach a total of $374 billion from 2026 to 2028.

Investment in 300mm fab equipment this year is expected to surpass $100 billion for the first time in history, reaching $107 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year.

It is projected to continue its steady growth thereafter, reaching $116 billion in 2026 (a 9% increase), $120 billion in 2027 (a 4% increase), and $138 billion in 2028 (a 15% increase).

SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha stated, “The surge in demand for AI technology and semiconductor self-sufficiency strategies in key regions are driving industrial transformation,” adding that “global strategic cooperation and investment are accelerating the establishment of advanced supply chains and the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor technologies.”

Looking at investment outlooks by sector, logic semiconductors account for the largest share with a total of $175 billion.The key is the expansion of advanced processes below 2nm. GAA architecture and backside power delivery technology serve as the foundation for increasing AI computing efficiency, and mass production of the 1.4nm process is expected in 2028–2029. Investment in equipment for mature processes is also expected to expand.

Total investment of $136 billion is expected in the memory semiconductor sector. This consists of $79 billion for DRAM and $56 billion for 3D NAND, with increasing demand for HBM and AI content storage driving market growth.

Investments are expected to reach $41 billion in analog semiconductors and $27 billion in power semiconductors, including compound semiconductors. Demand from electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and energy efficiency is the main driving force.

Looking at investments by region, China is expected to rank first with $94 billion in investment. Its strategy to strengthen its domestic ecosystem has been effective.

South Korea is expected to rank second with an investment of $86 billion. It is anticipated to emerge as a key hub for responding to the demand for generative AI.

Taiwan is focusing on strengthening its advanced foundry technology capabilities with a $75 billion investment.

The United States is expected to focus on responding to AI applications and securing technological leadership with a $60 billion investment.

Investments of $32 billion, $14 billion, and $12 billion are expected in Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia, respectively. Due to government incentive policies, an increase of more than 60% compared to 2024 is projected.