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Expected Growth in Global Silicon Wafer Shipments

In a recent forecast by SEMI, an increase in global silicon wafer shipments by 5.4% is anticipated for 2025, amounting to around 12,824 million square inches (MSI). This surge marks a promising recovery for the semiconductor industry and follows a period of downturn due to fluctuating market demand and global economic challenges.

Factors Driving Growth

The expected rise in shipments is highly influenced by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, particularly in advanced computing and high bandwidth memory (HBM). This trend is expected to continue; it will drive consistent growth through to 2028 when shipments could reach a record high of over 15,485 MSI.

AI’s increasing compute demand in data centers and edge computing solutions is propelling this growth, indicating a robust recovery even for sectors traditionally less reliant on AI capabilities. Non-AI applications are also beginning to exhibit gradual improvements, signifying an overall rebound in the market.

The Importance of Silicon Wafers

Silicon wafers serve as a foundational element in the production of most semiconductors. These thin, circular disks can be crafted in diameters reaching up to 300 mm and act as substrates for the crafting of various semiconductor devices, commonly referred to as chips. Given the ubiquity of electronic devices in modern life, the demand for semiconductor components is only expected to grow.

The forecast data encompasses polished and epitaxial silicon wafers shipped to end-users, excluding unpolished or reclaimed varieties, thus providing a clear picture of market trends for manufacturers.

A Look Ahead: Forecasting Through 2028

As we look toward the future, the semiconductor industry is anticipated to experience steady growth, driven primarily by the continued advancements in technology. SEMI’s predictive report is rooted in comprehensive industry insights gathered from a wide array of stakeholders within the Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG), a sub-committee of SEMI’s Electronic Materials Group (EMG).

In providing this outlook, SEMI aims to equip companies within the semiconductor industry with the data they need to strategize effectively and to adapt to changes in market demands.

Conclusion

The semiconductor market's recovery and growth signify a larger narrative within the tech industry: a movement towards more advanced, efficient, and responsive technological solutions. As silicon wafer shipments forecast a positive trajectory, manufacturers and stakeholders would do well to align their strategies with this confident outlook, ensuring they are prepared to meet future demands and leverage the growth opportunities that will emerge by 2028.

For further insights and the latest statistics on silicon wafer shipments, please refer to SEMI's comprehensive reports published regularly, which detail market dynamics and industry shifts.

About SEMI

SEMI is a global industry association comprising over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals connected across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. Through collaborations, advocacy, and market intelligence, SEMI drives innovation and helps its members tackle the industry's pressing challenges.