Despite Concerns Over Memory Peak Theory... WSTS Raises Semiconductor Sales Forecast

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Amid concerns that demand for memory semiconductors in the global semiconductor market has peaked and will decline from the end of the year, a global semiconductor supply and demand research organization has revised upward the semiconductor growth rates for this year and next year.

According to the industry on the 18th, the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) recently announced in its report that it adjusted this year's semiconductor market growth rate from the previous 19.7% to 25.1%. WSTS had initially projected a 10.9% growth rate in March, then raised it to 19.7% in June, and has now increased it again.

The expected global semiconductor sales revenue also rose from the previous forecast of $527.223 billion (approximately 620 trillion KRW) to $550.876 billion. WSTS predicted, "Sales are expected to increase across most semiconductor product categories, with memory semiconductors showing the highest sales growth rate."

By detailed category, the expected sales growth rate for memory semiconductors was revised upward from 31.7% to 37.1%, showing the highest growth rate. The sales revenue for memory semiconductors this year is expected to reach $161.11 billion, accounting for 29.2% of the total semiconductor market. Along with memory semiconductors, analog semiconductors (29.1%), logic semiconductors (26.2%), and sensor semiconductors (24.8%) are also expected to show strong growth rates in the 20% range.

Source: World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS)

By region, WSTS analyzed that the Asia-Pacific region, including Korea and Taiwan, will record the highest growth rate of 27.2% among all regions and account for 62.6% of global sales. Other regions such as the Americas (21.5%), Europe (26.4%), and Japan (17.7%) are also expected to show double-digit growth rates.

WSTS forecasted that the semiconductor market will continue to perform well not only this year but also next year. This prediction contrasts with the recent significant drop in stock prices of domestic semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, amid concerns that the semiconductor market will slow down from the end of the year.

WSTS revised upward the semiconductor market growth rate for next year from 8.8%, projected in June this year, to 10.1%. The expected sales revenue is $606.482 billion. The sales growth rate for memory semiconductors next year was also raised from 17.4% to 18.4%. WSTS stated, "The global semiconductor market next year will continue its growth trend, supported by double-digit growth in memory semiconductors."

Headquartered in San Jose, California, USA, WSTS is a non-profit industry organization with over 40 member companies, including major global semiconductor firms such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, US-based Micron, Japan's Sony and Toshiba, Germany's Infineon, and Taiwan's TSMC.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.