Global fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to increase 20% to an all-time high of US$109 billion in 2022, according to SEMI. Taiwan is expected to lead with its spending climbing 52% on year to US$34 billion.
Second-ranked Korea saw its fab equipment spending increase 7% on year to US$25.5 billion in 2022, said SEMI. Spending in China fell 14% from its peak last year to US$17 billion.
Europe/Mideast is forecast to log record high spending of US$9.3 billion this year, with a staggering growth of 176% compared to 2021, SEMI indicated.
Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia are expected to register record-high investments in 2023, SEMI said. In the Americas, fab equipment spending is forecast to grow 13% on year to US$9.3 billion in 2023, following a 19% surge in 2022, with the region retaining its fourth-place ranking both years in worldwide fab equipment spending.
In addition, SEMI's report shows the global industry increasing capacity 8% this year after a 7% rise in 2021. Capacity growth is expected to continue in 2023, rising 6%. The fab equipment industry last saw an on-year growth rate of 8% in 2010 when it topped 16 million wafers per month (200mm equivalents) - nearly half of the 29 million wafers per month (200mm equivalents) projected for 2023.
Over 85% of equipment spending in 2022 will stem from capacity increases at 158 fabs and production lines, a proportion expected to edge down to 83% next year as 129 known fabs and lines add capacity, according to SEMI. As expected, the foundry sector, with a share of about 53%, will account for the bulk of equipment spending in 2022 and 2023, followed by memory at 33% in 2022 and 34% in 2023. The two sectors also account for the largest capacity increases.
Taiwan to lead fab equipment spending in 2022
Global fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to increase 20% to an all-time high of US$109 billion in 2022, according to SEMI. Taiwan is expected to lead with its spending climbing 52% on year to US$34 billion.
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