According to the latest quarterly analysis report by SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG), the global silicon wafer market showed complex dynamic trends in the second quarter of 2024. The report shows that the shIPMent volume of silicon wafers in the quarter achieved a month on month growth, reaching 3.035 billion square inches (MSI), a significant 7.1% increase compared to the previous quarter. However, compared to the same period last year, this figure showed an 8.9% decline, with shipments of 3.331 billion square inches in the same period last year.

Silicon wafers, as an indispensable baSIC material in the semiconductor manufacturing field, their market performance directly reflects the overall situation of the semiconductor industry. These highly engineered thin disks, with diameters up to 12 inches, are the cornerstone of manufacturing numerous types of semiconductor devices including microprocessors, memory, sensors, and more. Therefore, the fluctuations in the silicon wafer market not only affect the fate of raw material suppliers, but also affect the nerves of the entire electronic industry chain.

The emergence of this month on month growth may be attributed to the combined effect of multiple factors. On the one hand, as the global economy gradually recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the demand for semiconductors in multiple fields such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and data centers continues to rebound, driving the growth of the silicon wafer market. On the other hand, after experiencing a period of tight supply, semiconductor manufacturers have increased their procurement efforts for raw materials such as silicon wafers to cope with the rising market demand.

However, the decline in year-on-year data reveals deep-seated problems behind the market. Although demand has rebounded, uncertainties in the supply chain still exist, including shortages of raw materials, rising production costs, and a complex and volatile international trade environment. Under the combined effect of these factors, it is difficult for the silicon wafer market to quickly recover to pre pandemic levels.

SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) expects the global silicon wafer market to continue to face both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, with the continuous emergence of emerging technologies and the continuous iteration and upgrading of consumer electronics products, the demand for high-performance and high reliability silicon wafers will continue to grow. On the other hand, uncertainties in the supply chain still need to be overcome to ensure the stable operation of the market.

Therefore, for silicon wafer manufacturers, strengthening technological innovation, optimizing supply chain management, and improving production efficiency will be important directions for future development. At the same time, it is also necessary to closely monitor market dynamics and policy changes in order to flexibly respond to market challenges and opportunities.

Fushite Technology focuses on the field of power devices, providing customers with power devices such as IGBT and IPM modules, as well as MCU and touch chips. It is an electronic component supplier and solution provider with core technology.