Market Trends of Semiconductor Wet Etch Systems Industry
The MEMS Segment is Expected to Observe Significant Growth
- Wet etch systems play a pivotal role in the aerospace and automotive sectors, instrumental in producing components like sensors and MEMS devices. These components are vital for electronic applications, especially in safety and control systems. For example, wet anisotropic etching is employed in silicon bulk micromachining to craft microstructures for diverse MEMS applications. The precision and reliability offered by wet etch systems make them indispensable in these high-stakes industries, where the performance and safety of electronic components are paramount.
- Moreover, the rising demand for consumer electronics, particularly smartphones, has driven the widespread adoption of MEMS devices, which play a pivotal role in these gadgets. For example, MEMS sensors facilitate functions like image stabilization and screen orientation in smartphones. Consequently, this heightened adoption of MEMS devices fosters a conducive environment for the market's growth in focus. Supporting this trend, Ericsson forecasts that by 2029, smartphone subscriptions will reach 8.1 billion. Such a surge in smartphone adoption highlights an increasing dependence on sophisticated electronic components, prominently featuring MEMS technology.
- While MEMS technology has made significant strides in communication and medical biotechnology, its expanding role in consumer electronics hints at even greater future advancements. Today, MEMS are ubiquitous, embedded in a range of products from smartphones to various consumer goods, underscoring their integration into daily life. The versatility and efficiency of MEMS technology continue to drive innovation across multiple sectors, enhancing the functionality and performance of everyday devices.
- MEMS technology, celebrated for its enhanced electrical performance at elevated frequencies, has extensive applications in smartphones, wearables, and various electronic devices. As the consumer electronics industry pivots from traditional sensors to embrace MEMS technology, the market's popularity is set to surge, consequently amplifying the demand for wet etch systems. This shift highlights the technological advancements within the consumer electronics sector and emphasizes the critical role of wet etch systems in supporting these innovations. The ongoing evolution of MEMS technology promises to unlock new possibilities and applications, further cementing its importance in the modern technological landscape.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Grow at a Significant Rate
- Asia-Pacific (APAC), dominated by major players like China, Taiwan, and South Korea, has the highest market share in the semiconductor industry. CSET reports that barring assembly and packaging tools, China commands a significant share of the market across all primary segments.
- According to the ITA, semiconductors are South Korea's top export. The demand for semiconductor wet etch systems in the region is set to rise, fueled by heightened investments in chip production. For instance, in January 2024, South Korea unveiled its plans for the world's largest semiconductor cluster in Gyeonggi Province. With a projected investment of around USD 470 billion over 23 years, the country is partnering with industry giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
- The government is offering incentives like tax breaks and competitiveness enhancement programs. South Korea aims for a 50% self-reliance rate in essential chip manufacturing materials and machinery by 2030. These investments are poised to boost demand for front-end equipment in the region, creating a favorable ecosystem for the market's growth.
- As the demand for AI escalates in Taiwan, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is aggressively expanding its CoWoS (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) production. Moreover, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing) leaders, initially probing for orders, have ramped up their requests for advanced packaging. Suppliers like Scientech, providing CoWoS equipment, have seen a surge in orders for wet etching processing equipment, bolstering its demand in Taiwan.
- Furthermore, the recent semiconductor shortage issues have dragged the attention of other major economies in the region like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, resulting in a significant growth in investments in new chip production and packaging facilities, which is also anticipated to support the studied market's expansion in the region in coming years.