HS Code:
The category for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices (HS Code: 9031.41) includes specialized equipment designed for the inspection and quality control of photomasks and reticles, critical components in the photolithography process of semiconductor manufacturing. These tools ensure the accuracy and defect-free production of integrated circuits by detecting imperfections in the masks used to transfer circuit patterns onto wafers. This category is vital to the semiconductor industry, which underpins modern electronics, including smartphones, computers, and automotive systems. Trade in this category reflects the global demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and the ongoing technological advancements in electronics.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
4.5%
Highest Rate
8.0% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0.0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for advanced semiconductor nodes
Increased need for high-precision photomask inspection equipment to support smaller geometries (e.g., 5nm and below) in chip manufacturing, driving trade growth.
2022
Shift toward EUV lithography
Growing adoption of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography in semiconductor production necessitates specialized inspection tools for EUV photomasks, boosting market demand.
2021-2023
Supply chain diversification
Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are encouraging countries to localize semiconductor production, influencing trade patterns for inspection equipment.
2020-2022
The United States passed the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing, including subsidies for equipment like photomask inspection tools.
August 2022
Increased imports of inspection equipment into the US as manufacturers scale up production capacity.
Japan and South Korea resolved trade disputes over semiconductor materials and equipment, easing export controls on inspection tools.
March 2023
Facilitated smoother trade flows between the two countries, benefiting South Korean chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix.
The European Union announced its European Chips Act to reduce dependency on Asian semiconductor supply chains, with investments in manufacturing equipment.
February 2022
Expected rise in demand for photomask inspection tools in Europe as new fabs are established.