As demand for front-end semiconductor inspection and metrology rises, activity among inspection-equipment companies in Japan and worldwide is intensifying. While SEAJ has substantially raised its outlook for Japan's semiconductor manufacturing equipment market for fiscal 2026, major companies are reporting higher orders and expanding production capacity.
As front-end semiconductor inspection and metrology become increasingly important, the global market is expected to remain on a growth track toward 2026, with quarterly equipment sales projected to set a new record. The Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ) substantially raised its sales forecast for fiscal 2026 to ¥6.5502 trillion. The forecast as of January was ¥5.5 trillion, representing an upward revision of approximately ¥1 trillion in just 6 months. This is expected to result in tight supply and demand around the period and improved yields, while risks have also been identified from concentration among top customers and fluctuations in revenue recognition timing between quarters.
In the global market, equipment sales for April–June 2026 reached approximately $40.5 billion, setting a record high for the second consecutive quarter. Demand is particularly strong in inspection and metrology, or process control, and demand for inspection equipment compatible with advanced packaging is rising.