For the fourth consecutive quarter, starting from Q3 of 2018, worldwide silicon wafer area shipments have declined. The decline from Q2 to Q3 (2019) was not drastic, but a decline nevertheless. The drop from 2,983 million square inches shipped in Q2 to 2,932 million square inches in Q3 is approximately 1.7%.  However, the percentage of shipments during the same period in 2018 is down 9.9%, according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

"Global silicon wafer shipments continue to ship at lower volumes relative to last year’s record levels,” said chairman of SEMI SMG Neil Weaver, in a press release. “Ongoing geopolitical tensions and the overall economic slowdown have negatively impacted silicon demand for the year.”

The data includes polished silicon wafers; such as virgin test wafers and epitaxial silicon wafers, as well as non-polished silicon wafers shipped to end users. Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for semiconductors, which are vital components of electronics, including computers, telecommunications products, and consumer electronics. The highly engineered thin, round disks are produced in various diameters, ranging from one inch to 12 inches.

More information on the SEMI Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipment Statistics are available on the SEMI website.