Semiconductor Equipment Secondary Market — May 2026 Update
Semiconductor Equipment Secondary Market — May 2026 Update
As the global semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the secondary market for used equipment remains a critical channel for both buyers and sellers seeking to optimize capital efficiency and capacity planning. Based on current deal flow and feedback from our network of market contacts, here is a snapshot of the used semiconductor equipment market in May 2026.
Overall Market Conditions
The secondary market is seeing increased supply, largely driven by the ongoing transition from 200mm to 300mm wafers in legacy node manufacturing. This shift is creating a surge in available older-generation equipment, particularly in North America and Europe. Simultaneously, demand remains robust, especially in Southeast Asia, where mature node capacity is being expanded to support automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
Complementing this trend is the continued growth in compound semiconductor manufacturing, with SiC and GaN fabs showing strong appetite for used process tools. These applications are fueling demand for specific equipment categories, while other areas are experiencing more nuanced shifts in pricing and availability.
Current Supply Trends
Currently, we are observing strong supply in the following categories:
- Etch Tools: Lam Research and Applied Materials platforms, including legacy but well-maintained systems, are becoming more common in the marketplace. These include single-wafer and batch etch tools suitable for 200mm and early 300mm applications.
- CVD Systems: Novellus/Lam Vector and Applied Materials Producer platforms are seeing increased availability. These are particularly relevant for customers working on 28nm and above nodes.
- Implant Tools: Axcelis and Varian systems remain prominent in the market, driven by sustained demand from SiC and GaN manufacturers. These tools continue to attract interest due to their versatility and compatibility with compound semiconductor processes.
Constrained Supply and High Demand
Conversely, certain equipment categories remain in constrained supply due to limited availability and growing demand:
- EUV-Adjacent Metrology Tools: Systems like the KLA Surfscan SP3-XP+ are in high demand, particularly from emerging EUV-aware fabs in China and India. These tools are becoming harder to source in the secondary market.
- Advanced ALD Systems: Atomic Layer Deposition tools for next-gen applications remain scarce. While some older systems are available, they often require significant capital investment to retrofit for advanced node compatibility.
Price Trend Observations
Pricing across the secondary market has remained dynamic, with the following notable trends:
- Implant Tools: Prices have risen by 15–20% year-over-year, driven by strong demand from SiC and GaN manufacturers. This is one of the most active segments in the market.
- Legacy Etch Tools: Pricing remains stable, with a moderate increase in volume due to 200mm transitions. Older Lam and AMAT systems are still in demand but not commanding premium prices.
- CVD Systems: Older CVD platforms are showing signs of price softening, particularly in the North American market. This is likely due to oversupply and reduced interest from mature node fabs.
Notable Supply Sources
Recent market activity has been influenced by a number of key developments:
- WARN Act Filings: Several large equipment manufacturers and foundries have filed under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, signaling planned capacity reductions and potential equipment releases.
- Fab Closures: As part of strategic realignments, some older fabs are closing, leading to large-volume releases of used equipment into the market.
- 200mm Transitions: The ongoing shift to 300mm in mature node manufacturing is accelerating, with numerous 200mm facilities either converting or decommissioning, further contributing to increased supply.
Outlook for Q3 2026
Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2026, we expect continued volatility in the secondary market. Supply is likely to remain strong through the transition period, particularly for 200mm equipment, while demand for advanced tools, especially in the compound semiconductor and EUV-adjacent spaces, will remain elevated. We also anticipate further price pressure on older CVD and etch tools unless demand surges in specific regions.
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