SEMI Announces Annual Silicon Shipment Forecast
This year is expected to surpass the record set in 2015.

The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) recently announced its annual silicon shipment forecast for the semiconductor industry.

This report contains forecasts for silicon demand from 2016 to 2018. According to SEMI's forecast, total polished and epitaxial silicon area shipments are projected to reach 10.444 billion in 2016, 10.642 billion in 2017, and 10.897 billion in 2018 (see chart). Total wafer shipments this year are expected to surpass the record-breaking figures of 2015, and these high levels of shipments are projected to continue in 2017 and 2018.


▲ 2016 Silicon Shipment Forecast
Shipments represent the aggregate for semiconductor applications only and do not include solar applications. (Source: SEMI, October 2016)

“Since the emergence of soft earlier this year, silicon wafer shipments have continued to record high figures in recent months,” said Denny McGuirk, President of SEMI, adding, “This positive momentum is expected to continue not only in 2016 but also through 2017 and 2018, recording moderate annual growth.”

Silicon wafers are the fundamental material for semiconductors and are a core component of almost all electronic devices, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. Thin-film, circular disc-shaped silicon wafers, which require advanced technology, are manufactured in various sizes (diameters from 1 inch to 12 inches) and are used as substrate materials for most semiconductor devices and chips.

All data cited in this material includes polished silicon wafers (including virgin test wafers and epitaxial silicon wafers) produced and shipped by wafer manufacturers. However, non-polished wafers and reclaimed wafers are not included.