GaAs bulk substrate market shrinks in 2009

BOSTON, USA: 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 percent growth over 2007 to 2008 will be replaced by the market shrinking 1 percent 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 of 5 percent over 2008 to 2013. The corresponding market for GaAs bulk substrates will be worth $174 million 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.”