According to SEMI, global semiconductor equipment sales in the first quarter of 2026 reached $36.55 billion, marking an all-time high for a single quarter. This represents a 14% increase year-over-year and a 1% increase quarter-over-quarter, with expanded investment in AI semiconductors driving the growth of the equipment market.

SEMI announced this on the 8th through its World Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) report. This report compiles monthly sales of the global semiconductor equipment industry based on data submitted by SEMI member companies and the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ).

This sales increase is the result of the combined expansion of semiconductor production capacity and technological advancement necessary for building AI infrastructure. SEMI explained that the expansion of production capacity and technological upgrades supporting cutting-edge logic, DRAM, and advanced packaging drove equipment demand.

In particular, as the demand for semiconductors for data centers and high-performance computing increases due to the spread of generative AI, related manufacturing investments are continuing. AI accelerators, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and advanced packaging are considered key areas that determine the performance of server semiconductors.

“The strong start to 2026 demonstrates that investments in production capacity and infrastructure supporting AI-driven semiconductor industry growth are continuing,” said Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI. He added, “Record-high equipment sales for the first quarter indicate that growth in advanced process manufacturing and advanced packaging is continuing.”

The semiconductor equipment market continues its recovery driven by demand for AI. As the transition to advanced processes, the resumption of memory investment, and the advancement of back-end packaging proceed simultaneously, the focus of equipment investment is shifting from general-purpose facilities to high-value-added equipment.

The industry anticipates that the competition to secure AI semiconductor production capacity will remain a key variable in the equipment market for the time being. However, regional investment speeds, memory market conditions, and export restrictions remain factors that could influence future trends in the equipment market.