Japanese Equipment Orders Plunge

Staff -- Semiconductor International, 12/1/1998

Figures compiled by the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ) show orders for Japanese semiconductor fabrication equipment, including exports, fell to ~$322.7 million in August, a 71.6% year-on-year drop and the ninth straight month of decline. Domestic orders, including imports, fell for the eighth month in a row in August, plunging 66.6% from 1997 to ~$165.2 million. Sales of Japanese equipment, including exports, dropped 47.5% to ~$474.2 million. Sales in the Japanese market, including imports, fell 49.6% to ~$250.0 million.