SEMI forecasts $149bn in 300mm fab equipment spending for 2026
The industry association also expects 20 new 300mm fabs and production lines to break ground worldwide in 2026, with 18 more in 2027.
SEMI has forecast global 300mm wafer front-end fab equipment investment of $149 billion in 2026, a 31% increase year on year, according to datanet.co.kr. The figures come from the association's latest 300mm Fab Outlook report.
The report projects that equipment investment will keep growing at a double-digit rate through 2029, when it is expected to reach $227 billion. Global 300mm fab construction spending is forecast at $47.5 billion in 2026, up 23%, then $63.3 billion in 2027, up 33%, and $68.4 billion in 2028.
Excluding pure R&D fabs, 20 new 300mm fabs or production lines are expected to break ground worldwide in 2026, followed by 18 more in 2027. In the US, 3 new fabs or production lines are expected to start construction in 2026 and 4 in 2027.
Capacity coming online
SEMI expects 13 new 300mm fabs or production lines to start operations or produce first silicon in 2026, rising to 23 in 2027. Equipment investment in the Americas is projected to more than double from $18.1 billion in 2026 to $40.6 billion in 2029.
The report includes 166 changes to 163 fabs and production lines since the previous edition, plus 14 newly added entries. SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha said rising semiconductor demand is translating into real capacity expansion across the industry.
Quick answers
How much will be spent on 300mm fab equipment in 2026?
SEMI forecasts $149 billion in global 300mm wafer front-end fab equipment investment in 2026, up 31% year on year.
How many new 300mm fabs will break ground in 2026?
Excluding pure R&D fabs, 20 new 300mm fabs or production lines are expected to break ground worldwide in 2026, with 18 more in 2027.
What will 300mm fab construction spending be in 2027?
Global 300mm fab construction spending is forecast at $63.3 billion in 2027, up 33%.