SEMI forecast: the next 2 years, the growth rate of semiconductor production capacity will remain at its lowest point since 2002

International semiconductor equipment and Materials Association (SEMI) announced that in 2008 and 2009, semiconductor production growth rate will remain at its lowest point since 2002. 2008 global semiconductor plant capacity will grow 5% over the previous year, in 2009 will grow by up to 4 ~ 5%. 2003 to 2007 production capacity has been increased by about two digits or more than the growth rate of the previous year, the growth rate of more than two digits, but in 2008 and in 2009, the growth rate will decline significantly. The opacity of the global economic outlook has led to the expansion of production capacity plan stalled.

Semiconductor plant construction costs in 2008 will be reduced by 41% over the previous year. Mainly affected by the extension of the project, etc.. SEMI said that in 2009 the plant construction costs increased only in Japan and the americas. To promote the growth of Toshiba, Matsushita and Toshiba and SanDisk (SanDisk) of the joint venture company Flash Alliance. In addition, semiconductor equipment investment is expected in 2009 will fall to the lowest point in 03 years.

Foundry business, is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2008 will be the lowest level since 2002. The first half of 2009 will continue this situation. Therefore, SEMI predicts that all OEMs will reduce the amount of equipment investment in 2009. 2009s production capacity will be based on the increase in sales of microprocessors, etc., an increase of 8% over 2008. 300mm epitaxial wafer production capacity in 2008 will grow 22% over the previous year, in 2009 will grow by more than in 2008 of 12%.