Chip equipment sales forecast to hit record $165.9B in 2026

According to industry association SEMI's mid-year forecast, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are projected to reach an unprecedented $165.9 billion（約27兆円） in 2026. This represents a 23.2% increase from 2025 sales levels, marking the highest annual sales figure in the sector's history. The forecast reflects sustained demand for chip-making equipment driven by ongoing investment in semiconductor production capacity, with expectations that this growth will continue into 2026.

The $165.9 billion（約27兆円） forecast for 2026 represents a significant inflection point in semiconductor equipment demand. SEMI's projection of 23.2% year-over-year growth reflects confidence that the drivers of current fab expansion—particularly AI infrastructure—will sustain momentum through 2026. This sustained investment in chip-making capacity typically signals broad confidence in long-term semiconductor demand across multiple end markets, not just artificial intelligence applications. Equipment sales serve as a leading indicator of actual chip manufacturing capacity coming online, meaning a record 2026 would imply substantial new production capability entering the market in 2027 and beyond.