As semiconductor demand increases, companies such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are recording their highest quarterly performances, and wafer shipments are also increasing in line with the increase in supply.

SEMI, the semiconductor industry association representing the global electronics industry supply chain, announced on the 3rd that global silicon wafer shipments in the first quarter of this year reached a record high of 3.679 billion square inches, up 1% from the previous quarter.

This is a 10% increase compared to the silicon wafer shipments of 3.337 billion square inches in the first quarter of last year.

Silicon wafers are a key material for semiconductor manufacturing and are essential for virtually all electronic products, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. Silicon disks are produced in diameters ranging from one inch to twelve inches and serve as the substrate material for the production of most semiconductor chips.

“The record silicon shipments demonstrate continued growth across all sectors of the semiconductor industry,” SEMI said. “Silicon wafer supply remains tight, and investments in new fabs could further constrain supply.”