Semiconductor equipment shipments increased by 22%

According to the data released by the International Semiconductor Equipment Materials Industry Association (SEMI), the global semiconductor equipment shipments in the third quarter of 2010 (2010) have risen to US$11.12 billion, which is more than twice the number of the same period of the previous year (2009). SEMI pointed out that this figure increased by 22% compared with the previous quarter. At the same time, the value of semiconductor equipment orders also soared to US$12.39 billion, which was also more than double the amount of the same period last year.

As economic conditions improve, corporate and consumer spending data grow, and market demand for chips has returned to the tabletop. Despite this, some major industry players, such as Intel Corp. (INTC-US) and others, have already forecast that demand will slow. In fact, according to the earlier annual increase in SEMI data, the performance of the second quarter of this year was not as good as before.

According to SEMI data, although the proportion of Europe in the global semiconductor equipment market is relatively small, the shipment value of chip equipment in Europe in the quarter has increased the most, more than three times. Other countries such as Taiwan and South Korea also recorded significant growth: 122% and 227%, respectively. SEMI's data is collected from more than 100 equipment companies worldwide, together with the Japan Semiconductor Equipment Association.