According to new figures from SEMI and SEAJ, worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment billings reached US$4.54 billion in the third quarter of 2009, a 69% increase over the second quarter of 2009 but still 31% less than the same quarter a year ago.
Worldwide semiconductor equipment bookings were US$5.83 billion in the third quarter of 2009. The figure is 4% more than the same quarter a year ago and 98% greater than the bookings figure for the second quarter of 2009.
China is showing the fastest return to growth of any country/region on a quarterly basis with 268% increase over the second quarter. However, Taiwan is showing the fastest growth on a yearly basis. Due to the increase in foundry spending from TSMC and UMC, billings have increased 76%. Only China with 1% growth over 2008 in equipment billings is in positive territory.
The biggest decline in billings on a yearly basis is Europe, down 73%, while Japan-based equipment billings declines 35% and Korea 33%.