SEMI "Global Silicon Wafer Shipments Increase 7% in Q2"

"Impact of Increased Demand for Data Centers and Generative AI"

In the second quarter, shipments of silicon wafers, a core material for semiconductor manufacturing, increased. The rise in demand for data centers and generative artificial intelligence (AI) led to an increase in semiconductor shipments.

On the 20th, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, is showcasing an 8-inch semiconductor wafer produced through collaborative research with the Nano Convergence Technology Institute (NNFC). Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to SEMI (formerly the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) on the 5th, global silicon wafer shipments in the second quarter totaled 3.035 billion in² (square inches), up 7.1% from the previous quarter. However, this represents an 8.9% decrease compared to the second quarter of last year (3.331 billion in²).

Cheng Wei, Chairman of SEMI's Silicon Manufacturing Group (SMG) and Vice President of GlobalWafers, stated, "The silicon wafer market has shown signs of recovery due to strong demand from data centers and generative AI."

Silicon wafers are essential components in virtually all electronic products, including computers, communication devices, and consumer electronics. These precisely processed silicon discs are produced in various diameters ranging from 1 inch to 12 inches and serve as substrate materials for semiconductor chip production.

Chairman Cheng said, "Although the recovery is not uniform across applications, shipments of 300mm wafers in the second quarter increased by 8% compared to the previous quarter, showing greater growth than other wafers. With new semiconductor fabs being constructed and production capacity expanding, the outlook for the silicon wafer market is bright."