SEMI, which represents the manufacturers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials suppliers, says fab spending will be 12% down in 2012 on 2011 levels.
However, after a sharp drop in the first half SEMI expects a spurt in spending in H2.
Samsung’s spend means Korea will be the only country to show growth in 2012 – from $7.4bn to $10.2bn.
Taiwan’s spending will drop from $8bn to $7bn; America’s from $9bn to $6bn; China’s from $3.1bn to $2; Europe’s from $3.7bn to $3bn; Japan’s from $5.5bn to $3.8bn and S.E.Asia from $8bn to $7bn.
Overall sepnding will fall from $39bn to $35bn.