05.02.19
Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments dropped 5.6% during the first quarter 2019 when compared to the fourth quarter 2018 and are now at their lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2017 after silicon wafer shipments for the most recent quarter declined 1% quarter-over-quarter, according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.
Total silicon wafer area shipments fell to 3,051 million square inches during the first quarter from 3,234 million square inches in the previous quarter.
“Global silicon wafer shipment volumes started the year at a slightly lower level when compared to the historic highs experienced last year,” said Neil Weaver, chairman SEMI SMG and director, product development and applications engineering of Shin Etsu Handotai America. “Some seasonality has returned and some inventory adjustments are being made. Despite this, silicon shipments remain at elevated levels.”
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 inches – and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices, or chips, are fabricated.
The Silicon Manufacturing Group (SMG) is a sub-committee of the SEMI Electronic Materials Group (EMG).
Total silicon wafer area shipments fell to 3,051 million square inches during the first quarter from 3,234 million square inches in the previous quarter.
“Global silicon wafer shipment volumes started the year at a slightly lower level when compared to the historic highs experienced last year,” said Neil Weaver, chairman SEMI SMG and director, product development and applications engineering of Shin Etsu Handotai America. “Some seasonality has returned and some inventory adjustments are being made. Despite this, silicon shipments remain at elevated levels.”
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 inches – and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices, or chips, are fabricated.
The Silicon Manufacturing Group (SMG) is a sub-committee of the SEMI Electronic Materials Group (EMG).