KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 20): Global silicon wafer shipments are projected to register robust growth through 2024, with wafer area increasing 13.9% year-over-year in 2021 to a record high of nearly 14,000 millions of square inches (MSI), according to the U.S.-based Semiconductor Equipment & Materials International (SEMI).

Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for the majority of semiconductors, which are vital components of all electronics including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer devices.

The highly engineered thin disks are produced in diameters of up to 12 inches and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductor devices, or chips, are fabricated.

In its annual silicon shipments forecast for the semiconductor industry released on Monday (Oct 18), SEMI said the logic, foundry and memory sectors are contributing to the 2021 silicon shipment expansion.

SEMI Industry Research & Statistics market analyst Inna Skvortsova said there was a significant increase in silicon shipments driven by strong secular demand for semiconductors across multiple end markets.

“The growth momentum is expected to continue in the following years but could be tempered by the slowing pace of the macroeconomic recovery and timing of the wafer manufacturing capacity additions needed to meet growing demand,” she said.