The semiconductor equipment market should begin to improve later this year, having reached bottom in the second quarter. Capital spending by the semiconductor industry is estimated to decline 44.8% this year to $24.3 billion, before rebounding in 2010 to grow 20.9% to $29.4 billion. Capital equipment spending is expected to fall 45.8% this year to $16.6 billion, but rise 29% in 2010 to $21.4 billion. Spending on Automated Test Equipment is estimated to increase 32.2% next year to $2.2 billion, after declining 32.0% this year to $1.7 billion.

Source: Gartner