SemiAnalysis Rejects Claims of Widespread U.S. Data Center Capacity Delays for 2026

Independent industry research firm SemiAnalysis on June 18 refuted widespread market concerns that half of planned U.S. data center capacity for 2026 will be canceled or delayed. The firm stated that market pessimism, which has fueled volatility in tech and power stocks, stems from misread information and sample bias, not a collapse in actual delivery schedules. SemiAnalysis's report indicates its forecast for North American hyperscaler self-built data center capacity for late 2026 has adjusted by only approximately 1% in the past six months, with colocation capacity predictions fluctuating less than 5%. The firm attributes market panic to AI tools misinterpreting early-stage, unverified project announcements, failing to account for factors like construction timelines or regulatory approvals. While acknowledging some project delays exist, SemiAnalysis clarifies these are primarily speculative, early-stage ventures lacking essential financing or permits, not core projects slated for 2026 delivery. The firm concludes that current market sentiment overstates the issue, representing a "risk clearing" rather than a fundamental downturn in industry demand.