Taiwan has become the top spender on semiconductor equipment in the first quarter of this year, according to global semiconductor trade association SEMI. The country spent $6.93 billion on semiconductor equipment, representing a 42% increase compared to the previous year. However, it experienced a 13% decline from the previous quarter. Market analysts attribute Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, as a significant contributor to the spending surge. TSMC is expected to invest nearly $32 billion in capital expenditure in 2023 and has plans for advanced chip manufacturing processes. China ranked second in semiconductor equipment spending, with $5.86 billion, while South Korea ranked third with $5.62 billion.
North America saw the most significant growth, becoming the fourth largest market with $3.93 billion, attributed to incentives and subsidies provided by the U.S. government. The total global spending on semiconductor equipment in the first quarter was approximately $26.8 billion, a 9% increase compared to the previous year. SEMI noted that despite global economic challenges, semiconductor spending remained solid, with emerging applications like artificial intelligence contributing to long-term industry growth.
Thanks to Focus Taiwan – CNA English News, for providing this article for us to review,