On October 22, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SEMI) released its 2024 silicon shipment forecast report in California. The report predicts that after a significant decline of 14.3% in 2023, global silicon wafer shipments will experience a smaller year-on-year drop of 2.4% in 2024.
SEMI anticipates that global silicon wafer shipments will reach 12,174 million square inches (MSI) this year, roughly equivalent to about 107.6 million 12-inch wafers. Furthermore, shipments are expected to return to growth in 2025, increasing by 9.5% to 13,328 MSI.
Looking ahead, SEMI expects that with the rising demand for AI and advanced processes, the capacity utilization of global semiconductor fabs will gradually increase. Additionally, new applications in advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production will boost silicon wafer consumption.
Overall, the increased demand is expected to drive strong growth in silicon wafer shipments. SEMI forecasts that by 2027, global silicon wafer shipments could reach 15,413 MSI, surpassing the previous peak of 14,565 MSI set in 2022.
