S. Korea expected to be 2nd in fab equipment spending this year: report
SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is expected to be the second-biggest spender on semiconductor manufacturing equipment this year, industry data showed Tuesday, as the global chip industry is likely to make a recovery despite the novel coronavirus outbreak.
South Korea, home to major memory chip producers Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc., is estimated to invest US$13 billion in chip factory equipment this year, according to a report from SEMI, a global industry association representing companies in the electronics design and manufacturing supply chain.
Taiwan, led by the No. 1 foundry maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is expected to top the list with $14 billion, according to SEMI. Despite suffering from the novel coronavirus, China, the epicenter of the global outbreak, is projected to spend $12 billion this year, up 5 percent from a year ago, to take third place.
SEMI said global fab equipment spending is likely to rebound from its 2019 downturn and is expected to see a "modest recovery" this year. According to its report, global fab equipment investment this year is forecast to grow 3 percent on-year to $57.8 billion.
For 2021, SEMI said that global fab equipment spending is estimated to reach a record high, with South Korea being the largest spender.
SEMI estimated that South Korea could spend $17 billion in 2021, followed by China with $15 billion and Taiwan with $13 billion.

This undated photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. shows the company's chip manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, south of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(URGENT) S. Korea's science minister confirms space rocket Nuri's launch success
-
Three indicted in massive stock manipulation case
-
(3rd LD) Passenger opens door of Asiana Airlines plane before landing at Daegu airport
-
BTS' J-Hope completes basic training for military service
-
(6th LD) S. Korea successfully launches space rocket Nuri in major milestone for space program
-
N. Korea's aircraft maintenance activity at 'unusual' level: 38 North
-
(LEAD) Asiana Airlines plane's door opens right before landing at Daegu Airport
-
S. Korea to send delegation to Europe for talks on stronger economic, biz ties
-
(2nd LD) S. Korean experts to inspect radioactive water storage tanks, purification system at Fukushima plant
-
(2nd LD) S. Korean experts begin on-site inspection of Fukushima nuclear plant
-
Man who opened plane door says he wanted to get off quickly: police
-
U.S. military stages 'Elephant Walk' training with F-16 fighters
-
(2nd LD) Arrest warrant issued for man who opened plane door mid-air
-
(LEAD) S. Korea steps up diplomatic efforts to win U.N. Security Council seat
-
Anticipated Korean blockbusters to check out this summer