According to the 2021 World Trade and Investment Report released by the Japan Trade Promotion Agency (JETRO) on July 29, the export volume of semiconductor components in 2020 increased 11.2 percent from the previous year. The global semiconductor shortage will continue in the second half of 2021. At a press conference on the same day, Chairman Nobuhiko Sasaki said, Everyone is worried that prices will rise.
JETRO's estimate is based on trade statistics for 48 countries and regions, including major economies. Exports of computers, semiconductors and other digital goods rose 4.3 percent from a year earlier to $3.353 trillion. The figure is the highest since the statistics began in 2002. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in telecommuting and other forms of work, which has increased demand for digital products.
Hong Kong and mainland China accounted for 18.1 percent and 16.6 percent of total semiconductor component exports, respectively. Most of Hong Kong's exports are thought to be redirected to mainland China. China's Taiwan followed with 12.8 percent. Demand for semiconductors is increasing in industries such as automobiles. Further growth is expected as vaccination progresses and economic activity normalizes.
