The global semiconductor materials market grew 4.9% in 2020 to US$55.3 billion in revenue, surpassing the previous market high of US$52.9 billion set in 2018, according to SEMI.
Wafer fabrication materials and packaging materials revenues totaled US$34.9 billion and US$20.4 billion, respectively, in 2020 for year-over-year increases of 6.5% and 2.3%, SEMI said. The photoresist and photoresist ancillaries, wet chemicals, and CMP segments accounted for the strongest growth in wafer fabrication materials, while the packaging materials expansion was driven by organic substrates and bonding wire market growth.
For the 11th consecutive year, Taiwan, at US$12.4 billion, was the world's largest market for semiconductor materials on the strength of its large foundry capacity and advanced packaging base. With its aggressive capacity build-up, China surpassed Korea to claim the second spot, SEMI indicated.
Both China and Taiwan registered stronger growth last year, while the South Korea, Japan and ROW markets also expanded, SEMI continued. The North America and Europe markets saw declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
