HS Code:
This category, classified under HS Code 9031.41, pertains to instruments and apparatus specifically designed for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices, including integrated circuits, as well as photomasks or reticles used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. These inspection tools are critical in the semiconductor industry for quality control, ensuring precision and functionality during production processes. The equipment often includes optical and electronic systems for detecting defects, measuring dimensions, and verifying patterns at microscopic levels.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.8 billion
30.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.9 billion
23.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.7 billion
13.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.9 billion
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
4.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
8.5% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or WTO bindings for tech products)
Rising demand for advanced semiconductor inspection tools due to miniaturization of chips
Increased trade volume as manufacturers invest in cutting-edge equipment to support smaller node technologies (e.g., 3nm and below)
2022
Shift towards automation and AI-integrated inspection systems
Higher export value for technologically advanced systems, particularly from Japan and the US, as AI enhances defect detection accuracy
2021-2022
Growing semiconductor production in Asia-Pacific
Increased imports of inspection equipment by countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and China to support expanding foundry capacities
2020-2022
The United States imposed stricter export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, citing national security concerns.
October 2022
Redirected trade flows, with increased exports to other Asian markets like South Korea and Taiwan, while straining US-China trade relations in this category.
The European Union announced the European Chips Act to boost domestic semiconductor production, including subsidies for equipment procurement.
February 2022
Expected increase in imports of inspection tools to Europe, benefiting exporters like the Netherlands and Germany.
Major manufacturers in Japan and the US introduced next-generation inspection systems with enhanced EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography compatibility.
Mid-2022
Boosted export values for high-end systems, reinforcing market dominance of leading countries in this category.