Japan chip equipment makers look beyond China for growth

TOKYO -- Despite strong Chinese demand, leading Japanese chipmaking equipment producers look to diversify their sales channels into countries like India to ensure long-term growth amid the risk of heightening tensions between Beijing and the U.S.

Japanese chip equipment sales will increase 15% in 2024 and continue growing by double digits, the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan predicts. Tokyo Electron, Screen Holdings and Advantest all upgraded their full-year forecasts when announcing April-June results, with an eye on stronger than expected demand.