Semiconductor equipment market to see big jump in 2014

The semiconductor fab equipment market is heading for a big growth in 2014. SEMI, the industry Association for semiconductor equipment manufacturers has forecasted the capital expenditure for semiconductor fab equipment spending will increase to US$ 39.8 billion in 2014, the highest on record. Semiconductor companies after seeing a better revenue in 2013 compared to 2012, and also expecting good growth in 2014, they are planning to increase the capital expenditure. SEMI says its report tracks over 200 projects, with details revealing that fab equipment spending is expected to decline by 1 percent in 2013 (to $31.8 billion), but increase by 25 percent in 2014, including new, used and internally manufactured in-house equipment. Here below are the other points shared by the SEMI: Overall fab spending in the first half of 2013 was slow, especially for fab equipment spending. Fab equipment spending is stronger in the second half of 2013, with a 30 to 40 percent increase over the first half. The SEMI data shows a different outlook for fab construction projects, forecasting a 25 percent spending increase in 2013 to over $7 billion and then a drop of 16 percent in 2014 to about $5.9 billion. Fabs under construction this year will begin equipping next year which affects fab equipment spending. Fab equipment spending for dedicated foundries remains strong in 2013 ($12 bi...