Global silicon wafer shipments in the second quarter of 2022 reached a new record due to continued demand for semiconductors.

SEMI, an industry association representing the global electronics industry supply chain, announced on the 29th that global silicon wafer shipments in the second quarter of 2022 reached an all-time high of 3.704 billion square inches, up 1% from the previous quarter.

The figures announced this time represent a 5% growth compared to the same period last year, which was 3.534 billion square inches.

Anna-Rika Vuorikari-Antikainen, COO of Oakmetic and Chair of SEMI’s Silicon Manufacturers Group (SEMI SMG), stated, “Due to sustained demand in the semiconductor industry, wafer shipments recorded an all-time high this quarter as well.” "On the other hand, as pressure to raise silicon prices intensifies due to persistent inflation, limited supply may be provided to semiconductor fabs around the world that are continuously expanding," he said.

Because silicon wafers are a core material for semiconductor manufacturing, they are an essential component of virtually all electronic products, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics.

Precision-machined silicon discs are produced in various diameters ranging from 1 inch to 12 inches and are used as substrate materials to produce most semiconductor chips.

Meanwhile, the SEMI Silicon Manufacturing Group (SMG) operates as a Special Interest Group (SIG) within SEMI and is composed of companies involved in the production of polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, and silicon wafers.

The purpose of this group is to develop market information and statistics regarding the silicon industry and the semiconductor market, and to promote joint efforts on key issues related to the silicon industry.