KUALA LUMPUR: Global semiconductor equipment billings rose 23% year-on-year (YoY) to US$40.53bil in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q26), driven by continued investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, according to industry association SEMI.
Billings were also 11% higher quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), marking a second consecutive quarter of record semiconductor equipment sales.
SEMI said the strong performance reflected accelerating demand for technology and manufacturing capacity to support AI investments and the global buildout of AI computing infrastructure.
“The second consecutive quarter of record semiconductor equipment billings reflects the industry’s sustained investment in the advanced manufacturing capacity needed to support rising chip demand, particularly for AI infrastructure,” SEMI president and CEO Ajit Manocha said in a statement.
“Growth across Asia, North America and Europe underscores the global nature of this demand and the critical role of semiconductor manufacturing in enabling the next wave of AI-driven innovation.”
The figures were published in SEMI's Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics report, which compiles monthly billings data submitted by members of SEMI and the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.
The growth reflected accelerating demand for semiconductor technology and manufacturing capacity to support AI investments and the global buildout of AI computing infrastructure.
China remained the largest market with billings of US$11.91bil, followed by Taiwan at US$10.89bil and South Korea at US$9.08bil.
Among the major markets, South Korea recorded a 54% YoY increase, while Taiwan grew 24% and China 5%. Europe and the rest of the world posted the strongest YoY growth rates at 70% and 69%, respectively.
