According to the latest report from the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), global silicon wafer shipments are expected to reach 12.17 billion square inches (MSI) in 2024, reflecting a 2.4% decline compared to last year. This slight decline in silicon wafer shipments is due to cyclical market adjustments. However, as demand for silicon wafers continues to recover, a strong rebound is anticipated in 2025, with a projected 10% growth. Silicon wafer demand will be driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing processes, and the increasing utilization of semiconductor wafer production capacity.

The downturn in 2024 will be short-lived, with the silicon wafer market set to see robust growth in 2025, mainly driven by AI and the adoption of advanced process technologies. Additionally, new applications in advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) will continue to fuel demand for silicon wafers.

SEMI also predicts that by 2027, global silicon wafer shipments will reach a record 15.41 billion square inches (MSI), surpassing the 14.57 billion square inches (MSI) peak set in 2022. This growth will be driven by the continued expansion of the semiconductor industry, with silicon wafer demand spurred by technologies like AI and other emerging fields.

Silicon wafers, as a fundamental material for semiconductor devices, are essential in the production of a wide range of electronic devices. As silicon wafer shipments increase, especially in the fields of advanced packaging and high-bandwidth memory (HBM), the silicon wafer market is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.