Semiconductor Equipment Monitor

Staff -- Semiconductor International, 1/1/1998

Semiconductor Equipment Monitor

The forecast for worldwide equipment sales has been revised strongly upward, though the benefits that the industry will receive from the shift to 300mm wafers are providing exceedingly difficult to time. The third quarter came in above the expectations of our model and signals that the 300mm transition is entering the data and should grow through the first half of 1998. Shipments for U.S.-based equipment manufacturers continued the very solid upswing, which turned positive back in June. The past two months have seen growth of more than 40%. Equipment is staying healthy despite the uncertainty in Asia. Ironically, establishing a strong technology infrastructure often receives extra support during times of crisis because it is a necessity for sustaining a long-term recovery. This fact (coupled with significant transitions in semiconductor technology) provides adequate reason for equipment makers not to panic over Southeast Asian uncertainty.