The year 2023 proved to be a challenging period for Oregon, one of the core bases of the semiconductor industry in the United States. The state experienced a significant setback with a decline of over $6 billion in total exports, representing a drop of more than 20%, effectively nullifying the substantial growth of the previous two years.
Of particular concern was the staggering loss of $5.7 billion in chip exports, accounting for an overwhelming 95% of the total, with a decline of 39%. Additionally, Oregon's semiconductor employment witnessed a 5% reduction last year.
In fact, as early as 2022, Oregon had already experienced a 14% decline in chip exports. However, the only positive news is that compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019, Oregon's export figures still exceeded those by 7%, and the overall unemployment rate remained below 4%.
Oregon is home to seven semiconductor companies with a total of nine wafer fabrication facilities. These include Intel, with three fabs (D1C, D1D, D1X), as well as Microchip Technology, Ansen, Maxim, Qorvo (with two facilities), and Alpha & Omega.
Across the United States, there are a total of 71 wafer fabrication facilities spread across 18 states, belonging to 33 different companies.
