According to Gartner, global semiconductor capital equipment spending was set to approach $38.4 billion in 2010, a 131.2% increase from 2009. In 2011, spending will decline 1.0% to $38.0 billion due to the shifted focus from technology equipment to capacity for equipment purchases. Gartner predicts that capital spending will be affected by two major trends: NAND Flash becoming capital spending’s prominent memory segment and strong foundry spending. Wafer fab equipment sales were estimated to comprise $29.7 billion in 2010, a 133.8% increase. Gartner predicts that wafer fab equipment growth will decrease by 3.4% this year and resume positive growth in 2012. Gartner expects semiconductor capital equipment spending to reach $60.7 billion in 2014, with wafer fab equipment contributing $33.2 billion.

Source: Gartner