The Strategy Analytics annual forecast, “Semi-insulating GaAs Substrate Markets: 2008-2012,” covering the semi-insulating (SI) GaAs (gallium arsenide) bulk substrate market concludes that the strong inventory corrections taken in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009 will prevent the severe sharp decline observed in 2001. However, the year-on-year 14% growth over 2007 to 2008 will be replaced by the market shrinking 1% in 2009.
An examination of supply chain dynamics, coupled with extensive analysis of end demand drivers for SI GaAs bulk substrates, provides a demand scenario through 2013, which suggests a CAAGR (compound annual average growth rate) of 5% over 2008 to 2013. The corresponding market for GaAs bulk substrates will be worth $174 M in 2013.
“The slowdown in key market segments has not resulted in any significant paradigm shifts with respect to the use of GaAs technology in mainstream markets such as cellular handsets and personal computers,” observed Asif Anwar at Strategy Analytics. “Indeed usage trends point to increased GaAs device demand from these and other markets which will result in sustained demand for substrate material.”
This report also identifies the leading suppliers of SI GaAs bulk substrates and their respective market share positioning in 2008. FCM (Freiberger Compound Materials) remained the leading merchant supplier of SI GaAs bulk substrates, but AXT was the market share winner, showing strong growth to grab the number three position from Hitachi Cable.
