KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 11): Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments increased 3% in 2015 when compared to 2014 area shipments according to the US-based Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International’s (SEMI) Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its year-end analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

In a statement on its website Feb 9, SEMI however said global silicon revenues decreased by 6% in 2015 compared to 2014.

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.

SMG said silicon wafer area shipments in 2015 totaled 10,434 million square inches (MSI), up from the previous market high of 10,098 million square inches shipped during 2014.

It said revenues totaled US$7.2 billion down from US$7.6 billion posted in 2014.

SEMI SMG chairman and senior vice president of Siltronic AG Dr. Volker Braetsch said semiconductor silicon shipment levels remained strong throughout most of the year, resulting in record volume shipments.

”The strength in shipments was not enough to compensate headwinds from further price decline and some exchange rate impact; silicon revenues for the year decreased yet again and are significantly below their market high set in 2007,” said Braetsch.