Many electrical parts and devices, such as memory chips and computer microprocessors, contain electrical circuits that are patterned using semiconductor lithography at the nanometer scale. Semiconductor lithography equipment is essential when developing new technological products incorporating semiconductor circuits.
Leading semiconductor equipment suppliers, including ASML, Nikon, and Canon, strongly support the creation of new lithography tools. In December 2020, Canon USA Inc. disclosed that the FPA-3030i5a might be made available for purchase by Canon Inc. in March 2021. In addition, the FPA-3030i5a has been added to the company's lineup of i-line1 semiconductor lithography systems that support the manufacturing of devices, including compound semiconductors. The FPA-3030i5a is also designed to help reduce the cost of ownership (CoO), a metric for the total costs associated with semiconductor manufacturing. It is anticipated that such rapid manufacturer changes will grab consumers' attention during the forecast period and speed up market expansion.
The semiconductor lithography equipment market is anticipated to grow in the coming years due to the exponential growth of semiconductors in many end-user industries. EUV systems, which support high-volume manufacturing of memory and logic, saw a 60% increase in sales at ASML in 2020. Revenue from DUV systems surpassed that of EUV equipment in 2020 by almost USD 1 billion. Some vendors are creating next-generation semiconductor manufacturing machinery to miniaturize circuit patterns and lower manufacturing costs. In order to meet the demand for better performance, lower power consumption, and smaller geometries in mobile and automotive applications, the semiconductor market is seeing an increase in advanced packaging technologies like FO/FI WLP, Flip Chip, 3D stacking, interposers, and embedded die. These elements will strengthen the market over the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific is the most significant shareholder in the global semiconductor lithography equipment market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.13% during the forecast period. Chinese semiconductor producers use old chipmaking machines to produce domestic goods amid US-Sino trade tensions, driving up equipment prices in Japan's secondary market. Japan's used equipment dealers say prices are up 20% year-over-year. Chinese players have full access to older machines exempt from U.S. sanctions. Another factor is the rise in stay-at-home behavior brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Even less modern equipment is selling quickly as chip demand increases globally. As a result, the shortage of semiconductors used in automobiles may continue.
North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.22%, generating USD 9.77 billion during the forecast period. Strong U.S. capabilities and R&D dominance are advantageous for all semiconductor market segments. However, it lacks companies in some important subsectors, particularly photolithography tools (the most expensive and complex form of SME). Due to this, the United States is innovating in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research. The US, a world leader in innovative semiconductor packaging, has 80 wafer fabrication facilities across 19 states. Additionally, technological advancements in consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, smart home appliances, and wearables, drive the demand for small integrated circuits. As a consequence of this, lithography equipment is significantly more critical.
The global semiconductor lithography equipment market’s major key players are Canon Inc., Nikon Corporation, ASML Holding NV, Veeco Instruments Inc., SÜSS MicroTec SE, Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (Group) Co. Ltd, EV Group (EVG), JEOL Ltd, Onto Innovation (Rudolph Technologies Inc.), and Neutronix Quintel Inc (NXQ).