SEMI-Global-semiconductor-equ

Recently, the International Semiconductor Industry Association (SEMI) released the "Global Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistical Report" (WWSEMS), which showed that global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales in the first quarter of 2026 reached US$36.55 billion, a month-on-month increase of 1% and a year-on-year increase of 14%. It exceeded the US$36 billion mark for the first time, setting a record for a single quarter in history.

From the perspective of regional market distribution, mainland China has firmly ranked as the world's largest semiconductor equipment market with significant advantages and continues to dominate the global equipment procurement pattern. The South Korean market has grown strongly, surpassing Taiwan, China, and ranking second in the world for the first time. Taiwan, China, has dropped to third place, followed by North America, Japan and the European market.

SEMI pointed out that equipment sales hit a record high in the first quarter, and the core driving force came from continued high-intensity investment in the artificial intelligence industry chain. Global wafer fabs are focusing on three major directions: expansion of advanced logic chip production capacity, DRAM (dynamic random access memory) technology upgrades, and construction of advanced packaging production lines to accurately match the explosive demand for high-performance chips in AI servers and data centers.

SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha emphasized: "The strong start to 2026 confirms the industry's continued investment in the production capacity and infrastructure required for AI-driven semiconductor growth. The record-breaking expenditures in the first quarter highlight the strong development momentum of cutting-edge manufacturing and advanced packaging technology, laying a solid foundation for industry growth throughout the year."