Wafer Shipments Forecast to Increase in 2015, 2016, and 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif. — October 20, 2015 — SEMI recently completed its annual silicon shipment forecast for the semiconductor industry. This forecast provides an outlook for the demand in silicon units for the period 2015–2017. The results show polished and epitaxial silicon shipments totaling 10,042 million square inches in 2015; 10,179 million square inches in 2016; and 10,459 million square inches in 2017 (refer to table below). Total wafer shipments this year are expected to exceed the market high set in 2014 and are forecast to continue shipping at record levels in 2016 and 2017.

"2015 has been a record-breaking year for silicon shipments, attributed primarily to larger diameter wafers," said Denny McGuirk, president and CEO of SEMI. "The outlook for the next two years is measured, but continues on a modest growth path.” 

2015 Silicon Shipment Forecast

Total Electronic Grade Silicon Slices* – Does not Include Non-Polished

(Millions of Square Inches, MSI)

Source: SEMI, October 2015
* Shipments are for semiconductor applications only and do not include solar applications

Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for semiconductors, which in turn, are vital components of virtually all electronics goods, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. The highly engineered thin round disks are produced in various diameters (from one inch to 12 inches) and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices or "chips" are fabricated.

All data cited in this release is inclusive of polished silicon wafers, including virgin test wafers and epitaxial silicon wafers shipped by the wafer manufacturers to the end-users. Data do not include non-polished or reclaimed wafers.

For more information on the SEMI Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipment Statistics, visit www.semi.org/en/MarketInfo/SiliconShipmentStatistics.

About SEMI

SEMI is the global industry association advancing the interests of the worldwide electronics supply chain. Our 1,900 member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Bangalore, Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C.  For more information, visit www.semi.org.

Association Contacts

Deborah Geiger/SEMI
Phone: 1.408.943.7988
Email: Email Contact

Dan Tracy/SEMI
Phone: 408.943.7987
Email: Email Contact