SEMI: Wafer shipments keep climbing

August 9, 2006 – Worldwide silicon area wafer shipments rose another 4% in 2Q06 vs. the prior quarter to nearly 2000 million sq. inches (MSI), more proof that wafer suppliers are enjoying robust sales and heavy demand.

Compared with a year ago, total wafer shipments in 2Q were up 24%, >20% for the third straight quarter, though slightly down from the 29% Y-Y pace in 1Q06. Shipments of silicon wafers have witnessed both consecutive quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year growth since 2Q05.

Wafer shipments are strong across all wafer sizes, noted Tatsuhiko Shigematsu, chairman of SEMI SMG and technology officer of SUMCO Corp., noting continued demand for semiconductors.

Quarterly silicon area shipment trends
Silicon shipments in millions of square inches (MSI)

Quarter Polished Epitaxial Nonpolished TOTAL

2Q05 1207 345 54 1606
3Q05 1304 385 59 1748
4Q05 1358 407 61 1826
1Q06 1390 431 63 1884
2Q06 1452 452 62 1996

Source: SEMI

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