SAN JOSE – Annual silicon shipments will total 9.14 billion square inches in 2010, up 39% from this year, a new SEMI study predicts.

Shipments will grow an additional 6% in 2011 and 5% in 2012, the trade group says. Total wafer shipments are expected to surpass the high set in 2007 and continue to increase for the next two years.

Silicon shipments reflect the tremendous recovery experienced by the semiconductor industry this year.” said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO. “While current data suggest that growth rates are moderating, we expect that the industry will continue to be positive for the next two years.”

2010 Silicon Forecast: Total Electronic Grade Silicon Slices (Does Not Include Non-Polished) (millions of sq. in.)

Source: SEMI, October 2010

Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for semiconductors, which in turn, are vital components of virtually all electronics goods, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. The highly engineered thin round disks are produced in various diameters (from one inch to 12") and serve as the substrate material on which more than 95% of today’s semiconductor devices or "chips" are fabricated.

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