"'Supercycle' Semiconductor Device Shipments Expected to Reach All-Time High This Year... Up 13% YoY"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The global semiconductor device market is expected to record the highest shipment volume ever. Semiconductors, which have been in short supply since last year due to the impact of COVID-19, are anticipated to experience explosive demand for the time being as the 'super cycle' fully kicks in this year.

According to the industry on the 10th, market research firm IC Insights recently announced that the global semiconductor device shipments this year will reach 1.1353 trillion units. This represents a 13% increase compared to last year and is the highest level ever recorded. The global semiconductor device shipments have surpassed 1 trillion units three times: 1.046 trillion units in 2018, 1.0015 trillion units last year, and now this year.

Source = IC Insights

Demand for semiconductors is surging worldwide. Since 32.6 billion units were shipped globally in 1978, the market has grown at an average annual rate of 8.6%, surpassing 1 trillion units. With the development of various technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), demand for semiconductors is rapidly increasing. IC Insights explained, "There are new market drivers generating more semiconductor demand."

Looking at the semiconductor devices to be shipped this year by product type, optoelectronics, sensors, and discrete devices (OSD) account for 67%, more than twice the share of ICs (33%). Specifically, discrete devices are expected to hold the largest share at 38%, optoelectronics 26%, and analog IC devices 18%.

IC Insights forecasted, "Semiconductors used in products such as network and clouding systems, contactless systems, automotive components, and 5G, which are expected to show the strongest growth this year, will have high market shares."