The artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure trade has shifted from pure-play semiconductors to other AI-powered data center infrastructure. The global semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials industry is growing by leaps and bounds, buoyed by AI-driven capital expenditure in leading-edge logic, high-bandwidth memory (“HBM”) and Test and Packaging components.

On July 14, SEMI reported in its Mid-Year Total Semiconductor Equipment Forecast – OEM Perspective that the market size of this industry is expected to reach a record high of $165.9 billion globally in 2026, up 23.2% year over year. The momentum is set to continue in the near term, reaching an estimated $229.5 billion globally in 2028.