Spike in Chip Equipment Spending Shows ‘Push’ to Hike Capacity: Semi

Global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment surged 44% last year to a record $102.6 billion, reported Semi Tuesday. China was the largest market for semiconductor equipment, with sales there expanding 58% to $29.6 billion, said the trade group. Sales in South Korea, the second-largest equipment market, jumped 55% to $25 billion, said Semi. Taiwan logged 45% growth to $24.9 billion to claim the third position, it said. Annual semiconductor equipment spending increased 23% in Europe and 17% in North America, it said. “The 44% increase in manufacturing equipment spending in 2021 highlights the global semiconductor industry’s aggressive push to add capacity,” said Semi CEO Ajit Manocha. “This drive to expand production capabilities extends beyond the current supply imbalance, as the industry continues to ramp up to address a wide range of emerging high-tech applications that will enable a smarter digital world with countless social benefits.”