In 2025, the global semiconductor industry will usher in an important construction milestone. According to SEMI's latest quarterly World Fab Forecast report, 18 new fab projects are expected to begin construction. This initiative will not only significantly increase the global semiconductor production capacity, but also bring new development opportunities to the related industry chain and further promote global technological innovation and economic growth.
New Fab Project Overview
Number and scale of projects: The new fab projects launched in 2025 include 15 12-inch (300mm) fabs and three 8-inch (200mm) fabs. These projects cover multiple technology nodes, from advanced processes to mature processes, to meet the demand for semiconductor chips in different fields
Regional distribution: New fabs are being built in many important semiconductor industry regions around the world. Four projects are planned for the Americas and Japan, three projects are planned for Chinese mainland, three projects are planned for Europe and the Middle East, two projects are planned for Taiwan and one project for South Korea, and one new fab project will be launched in Southeast Asia. This global layout will help optimize the global semiconductor supply chain and enhance the industrial competitiveness of each region.
Figure: Construction of 18 new semiconductor fabs will begin in 2025
Driver analysis
Driven by technology demand: The rapid development of generative AI and high-performance computing technologies has put forward higher requirements for the performance and computing power of semiconductor chips. Technological advancements in cutting-edge logic and storage are driving companies to invest in advanced processes and production capacity to meet the growing demand for high-performance computing chips for AI and HPC applications
Driven by market demand: The global demand for semiconductor chips continues to grow, especially in emerging fields such as automotive, Internet of Things, and power electronics. The development of mainstream node technology has made semiconductor chips more widely used in these fields, further promoting the construction of new fab projects to meet the urgent market demand for high-performance and high-reliability chips.
Capacity growth and industry impact
Capacity Growth Forecast: Global semiconductor capacity is expected to accelerate by 2025 at an annual rate of 6.6% to reach 33.6 million wafers per month (in 8-inch equivalent) terms. This significant capacity increase will provide a more adequate supply of chips for the global semiconductor market, alleviate the long-term chip shortage, and provide strong support for the digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of all walks of life.
Coordinated development of the industrial chain: The construction of new wafer fabs will drive the development of semiconductor equipment manufacturing, material supply and other related industrial chains. Equipment manufacturers will face greater market demand, driving their technological innovation and capacity expansion; Material suppliers will also benefit from the construction of new fabs, further enhancing their market share and industry position. At the same time, the overall competitiveness of the semiconductor industry will be enhanced, injecting new vitality into global scientific and technological innovation and economic growth.
Conclusion
The launch of 18 new fabs around the world in 2025 marks a new peak period for the semiconductor industry. This will not only significantly increase global semiconductor production capacity to meet the growing market demand, but also promote the coordinated development of related industrial chains and promote global scientific and technological innovation and economic growth. All regions and enterprises should seize this opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchanges, jointly promote the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry, and lay a solid foundation for building a smarter and more efficient future society.
