SAN JOSE, CA – In the first quarter of 2007, total worldwide silicon wafer area shipments were about 11% above the same period last year, says SEMI. Shipments remained stable in the first quarter, with a 1% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2006.

"In a traditionally seasonal weaker quarter, demand for silicon was effectively unchanged compared to Q4 of last year. In addition, an ongoing inventory correction throughout the supply chain impacted the market. Nevertheless the growth trend for 300 mm wafers remained intact,” said chairman Dr. Volker Braetsch. ”Not coming really as a surprise, Asia maintained its strong momentum making up for weaker silicon area growth in the other regions.”