The PLUS Japan Semiconductor Materials/Parts/Equipment ETF delivered a net asset value (NAV) return of 104.54% over one year as of the previous day, according to Korea Fund Ratings FundSquare on the 10th, alongside 7.42% in one month and 17.75% in three months. The ETF maintained stable performance during a period when major domestic semiconductor-related stocks and ETFs experienced corrections, driven by exposure to Japan's dominant position in global semiconductor supply chains. Japan holds a 48% share of the global semiconductor materials market and a 31% share of equipment, per the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), positioning suppliers to benefit from artificial intelligence-driven capital expenditure expansion. The ETF's top holdings include Tokyo Electron, which commands over 90% of the photoresist processing equipment market and ranks fourth globally in front-end equipment sales, and Advantest, which holds 61% of the semiconductor test equipment market.
Tokyo Electron and Advantest Lead ETF Holdings
The PLUS Japan Semiconductor Materials/Parts/Equipment ETF holds Tokyo Electron and Advantest as primary components. Tokyo Electron ranks fourth globally in front-end equipment sales and maintains over 90% market share in photoresist processing equipment. Advantest commands 61% of the semiconductor test equipment market, with competitiveness in post-process sectors gaining attention as advanced packaging expands.
Japan Commands 48% Global Semiconductor Materials Market Share
Japan holds 48% of the global semiconductor materials market, ranking first worldwide, and 31% of the equipment market, second after the United States, according to KOTRA. The country has established a supply chain position in the semiconductor value chain that is difficult to replace. The Japanese government committed to investing 10 trillion yen (approximately 96 trillion won) in the semiconductor industry by 2030, providing policy support for the sector.
Gartner Forecasts 16.4% Global Semiconductor Capex Growth This Year
Gartner projects global semiconductor capital expenditure will increase 16.4% this year compared to last year, with an additional 11.2% growth in 2027. Kim Jung-seop, head of Hanwha Asset Management's ETF division, stated that "as major semiconductor companies increase capital expenditure amid AI server and data center investment expansion, expectations for orders and performance at equipment and materials companies also rise." Kim described the PLUS Japan Semiconductor Materials/Parts/Equipment ETF as "a product that can simultaneously provide global semiconductor value chain investment and country-specific diversification effects."
FAQ
What returns did the PLUS Japan Semiconductor Materials/Parts/Equipment ETF deliver over one year?
The ETF recorded a net asset value return of 104.54% over one year as of the previous day, according to Korea Fund Ratings FundSquare on the 10th, with 7.42% in one month and 17.75% in three months.
What market share does Japan hold in global semiconductor materials and equipment?
Japan holds 48% of the global semiconductor materials market, ranking first worldwide, and 31% of the equipment market, second after the United States, according to KOTRA.
