The global semiconductor materials market grew 4.9% in 2020 to $55.3 billion in revenue, surpassing the previous market high of $52.9 billion set in 2018, SEMI reported in its Materials Market Data Subscription (MMDS).
Wafer fabrication materials and packaging materials revenues totaled $34.9 billion and $20.4 billion, respectively, in 2020 for year-over-year increases of 6.5% and 2.3%, SEMI reported.
The photoresist and photoresist ancillaries, wet chemicals, and CMP segments accounted for the strongest growth in wafer fabrication materials, while the packaging materials expansion was driven by organic substrates and bonding wire market growth, SEMI reported.
For the 11th consecutive year, Taiwan, at $12.4 billion, was the world's largest market for semiconductor materials on the strength of its large foundry capacity and advanced packaging base, SEMI reported.
With its aggressive capacity build-up, China surpassed Korea to claim the second spot. Both China and Taiwan registered stronger growth, while the South Korea, Japan and ROW markets also expanded, SEMI reported.
The North American and European markets saw declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SEMI reported.
2019 and 2020 Regional Semiconductor Materials Markets (US$ Billions)
2019** | 2020 | Year-Over-Year | |
Taiwan
|
$11,449
|
$12,383
|
8.2% |
China
|
$8,717
|
$9,763
|
12% |
South Korea
|
$8,885
|
$9,231
|
3.9% |
Japan
|
$7,708
|
$7,947
|
3.1% |
Rest of World*
|
$6,415
|
$6,759
|
5.4% |
North America
|
$5,623
|
$5,590
|
-0.6% |
Europe
|
$3,919
|
$3,634
|
-7.3% |
Total
|
$52,716 | $55,308 | 4.9% |