Global chip industry projected to invest more than US$500bil in new factories by 2024

PETALING JAYA: The worldwide semiconductor industry is projected to invest more than US$500bil in 84 volume chipmaking facilities starting construction from 2021 to 2023, SEMI announced in its latest quarterly World Fab Forecast report.

The projected growth in global factory count includes a record high 33 new semiconductor manufacturing facilities starting construction this year and 28 more in 2023.

“The latest SEMI World Fab Forecast update reflects the increasing strategic importance of semiconductors to countries and a wide array of industries worldwide,” SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha said in a statement.

“The report underscores the significant impact of government incentives in expanding production capacity and strengthening supply chains. With the bullish long-term outlook for the industry, rising investments in semiconductor manufacturing are critical to laying the groundwork for secular growth driven by a diverse range of emerging applications.”

In the Americas, the U.S. Chips and Science Act has vaulted the region into the lead worldwide in new capital spending as the government investment spawns new chipmaking facilities and supporting supplier ecosystems.

From 2021 through next year, the Americas is forecast to start construction on 18 new facilities.

SEMI said China is expected to outnumber all other regions in new chip manufacturing facilities, with 20 supporting mature technologies planned.

“Propelled by the European Chips Act, Europe/Mideast investment in new semiconductor facilities is expected to reach a historic high for the region, with 17 new fabs starting construction between 2021 and 2023,” it said.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is expected to start construction on 14 new facilities, while Japan and Southeast Asia are each projected to begin building six new facilities over the forecast period. South Korea is forecast to start construction on three large facilities.