Global 300mm Fab Equipment Spending to Surge Past $150B in 2027, Driven by AI Demand
Event summary
- Global 300mm fab equipment spending projected to grow 18% to $133B in 2026 and 14% to $151B in 2027, exceeding $150B for the first time.
- Logic & Micro segment to lead with $228B in investments from 2027 to 2029, driven by sub-2nm advanced node technology.
- Memory segment to see $175B in spending from 2027 to 2029, with DRAM and 3D NAND demand boosted by AI applications.
- Regional investments to remain broadly distributed, with substantial spending in China, Taiwan, Korea, and the Americas.
- SEMI's 300mm Fab Outlook lists 404 facilities globally, with 198 updates and 9 new fabs/lines since December 2025.
The big picture
The projected surge in 300mm fab equipment spending reflects a broader industry shift driven by AI's insatiable demand for advanced chips. This marks a historic commitment to building resilient supply chains and expanding capacity, with strategic investments distributed across major semiconductor manufacturing regions. The scale of spending underscores the critical role of semiconductors in powering the AI era, with implications for global tech infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
What we're watching
- AI Demand Growth
- How sustained AI chip demand will affect long-term investment in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
- Regional Investment Trends
- Whether policy-supported supply chain localization in key regions can maintain investment momentum.
- Technology Advancements
- The pace at which advanced node technology enters volume production and its impact on equipment spending.
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