RF GaAs equipment earnings fell nearly 6% in 2019, the largest decline since 2004. The latest research report “RF GaAs Equipment Industry Forecast: 2018-2024” released by Strategy Analytics’ Advanced semiconductor Applications (ASA) service points out that the decline in smartphone shipments is the main reason for the decline in GaAs revenue. But the report predicts a return to growth — with RF GaAs device revenues approaching $9 billion by 2024, driven by the accelerating pace of 5G network and device deployments.

Eric Higham, Director of the Advanced Semiconductor Applications (ASA) Service at Strategy Analytics, said, “Wireless applications, especially cellular terminals, dominated GaAs device revenue. Smartphones use a lot of GaAs, so when smartphone shipments declined in 2019, It’s no surprise when the overall GaAs market is low.” He continued: “While the COVID-19 outbreak remains uncertain, I remain optimistic that the expansion of 5G equipment and network deployments will be a new source of revenue for GaAs equipment. growth engine. We will closely monitor the developments of GaAs handset PA manufacturers such as Skyworks, Qorvo and Broadcom to better understand the growth trajectory of 5G.”