By Li Panpan

(JW Insights) Jun 9 -- China ranked second in semiconductor equipment sales with $5.86 billion in the first quarter of 2023, down by 23%, the largest decline among all countries and regions, said a recent SEMI report.

Global semiconductor equipment billings increased 9% year-over-year to $26.8 billion in the first quarter of 2023, SEMI announced on June 7 in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report. Quarter-over-quarter billings slipped by 3%.

By region, the Taiwan region became the largest market for semiconductor equipment in the first quarter, with sales of $6.93 billion, an annual increase of 42%. North America ranked fourth with semiconductor equipment sales of $3.93 billion in the first quarter of 2023, an annual increase of 50% and a quarterly increase of 51%, leading all countries and regions in growth rate.

Semiconductor equipment revenue in the first quarter was robust despite macroeconomic headwinds and a challenging industry environment," said Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO. "The fundamentals remain healthy for the long-term strategic investments needed to support major technology advancements for AI, automotive, and other growth applications."