KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 15): Global semiconductor equipment investments for front end fabs in 2022 are expected to reach nearly US$100 billion, powered by digital transformation and other secular technology trends, to meet soaring demand for electronics after topping a projected US$90 billion this year, according to the US-based Semiconductor Equipment & Materials International (SEMI).

Fab spending refers to spending on semiconductor fabrication plants.

In a statement on its website yesterday, SEMI highlighted in its World Fab Forecast report that the new fab equipment spending records will mark a rare three consecutive years of growth that began in 2020, bucking the historical cyclical trend of a one- or two-year expansion followed by a year or two of tepid growth or declines.

SEMI said the semiconductor industry last saw more than two consecutive years of growth in the mid-1990s.

It said the foundry sector will account for the bulk of fab equipment investments in 2022, with more than US$44 billion in spending, followed by the memory sector at over US$38 billion.

SEMI said both DRAM and NAND also show large increases in 2022 with jumps in spending to US$17 billion and US$21 billion, respectively.

Meanwhile, micro/MPU investments will reach approximately US$9 billion, discrete/power US$3 billion, analog US$2 billion, and other devices about US$2 billion next year.

The association said that regionally in 2022, Korea will lead in fab equipment spending at US$30 billion, followed by Taiwan at US$26 billion, and China at nearly US$17 billion.

It said Japan will take the fourth spot with almost US$9 billion in fab equipment spending.

While Europe/Mideast will be in fifth place at US$8 billion, the region is expected to post standout year-over-year percentage growth of 74% in 2022.

In the Americas and Southeast Asia, spending is projected to reach more than US$6 billion and US$2 billion, respectively.  

The World Fab Forecast report lists 1,417 facilities and lines globally, including 129 facilities and lines starting volume production in 2021 and beyond.