The semiconductor photomask market is estimated to be US$2.9 billion in 2008 and forecasted to contract to US$2.5 billion in 2009, according to a new report available from SEMI. However, a recovery in demand is expected to see the photomask market return to growth in 2011, reaching US$2.7 billion.
Significantly more expensive masks are required for the 65nm and 45nm nodes as volume production ramps, suggesting unit demand may not be growing as much as the value of leading-edge masks.