Photolithography Equipment Market Expected to Reach $11.64 Billion by 2027

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Photolithography Equipment Market by Process, Application, and Light Source: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019–2027,” the photolithography equipment industry size was valued at $8.04 million in 2019, and is projected to reach at $11.64 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2019 to 2027. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market, followed by North America and Europe.

The fast-paced evolution of photolithography is a key enabler for the remarkable size reduction of semiconductor devices and circuits over last few decades. Various methods have been developed to pattern the devices at smaller dimensions than the wavelength used in the process. Moreover, the patterning wavelength itself has reduced, and is expected to reduce further in the near future. This reduction of wavelength has developed alternative light sources that enhance the photolithography process’s performance. Thus, photolithography is anticipated to an evolving technology.

The demand for photolithography equipment is expected to increase rapidly during the forecast period, owing to high demand for miniaturized electronic devices, rapid growth in semiconductor industry, and increase in trend of Internet of Things (IoT). However, limitation of photolithography process for curved surfaces is anticipated to hamper the market growth. On the contrary, increase in investments to develop semiconductor fabrication facilities and upsurge in need for advanced consumer goods, which fuels the demand for more wafer production, are expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the photolithography equipment market players.

The back-end segment dominated with over 60% share in 2019. The back-end segment dominated with over 60% share in 2019. However, increase in number of innovations in the front-end segment, is expected to impact the rate of growth of back-end segment during the forecast period. On the contrary, the introduction of mask-less exposure photolithography is anticipated to boost the growth of the back-end photolithography. The mask-less exposure method produces patterns with desired speed, resolution, and flexibility without affecting performance or cost. Thus, back-end segment is estimated to retain its prominence in the photolithography equipment market during the forecast period.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly impacted the photolithography equipment market growth. It has resulted in decline in demand, delays in procuring components, and the postponements of new product launches. Market players are responding to these impacts through measures to secure component supplies and flexible logistics measures and are focusing on online marketing.

Geographically, the photolithography equipment market trends have been analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Asia-Pacific accounted for a major share of the global market in 2019, and is expected to dominate the market in terms of revenue during the forecast period, owing to increase in investments in research & development associated with semiconductor industry. The semiconductor photolithography equipment market growth in the region is further attributed to factors such as rise in disposable income leading to high demand for advanced consumer electronics and high demand for miniature devices. North America holds the second largest share in the global photolithography equipment industry, and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to considerable investments in the respective industry, which, in turn, results in innovations and technological advancements.

Key Findings Of The Study

• In 2019, the ultraviolet segment accounted for the maximum revenue, and is projected to grow at a notable CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.
• The ultraviolet and deep ultraviolet segment together accounted for around 85.0 % of the photolithography equipment market share in 2019.
• The back-end segment contributed a major share of 63.0% in global photolithography equipment market during 2019.
• South Korea was the major shareholder in the Asia-Pacific photolithography equipment market, accounting for more than 30.0% share in 2019.

The key players profiled in the report include ASML Holding N.V., Canon Inc., Nikon Corporation, SÜSS MICROTEC SE, Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics (P) Ltd., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), KLA Corporation, S-Cubed Company, Osiris International GmbH, and Vecco Instruments Inc. These players have adopted various strategies such as product launch, collaboration & partnership, joint venture, and acquisition to expand their foothold in the photolithography equipment market.