November 4, 2004 – Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments in 3Q04 increased 1% sequentially and 25% from the 3Q03, according to SEMI’s Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

Silicon wafer area shipments totaled 1629 million sq. in. during the most recent quarter compared to the 1619 million sq. in. in shipments reported during the previous quarter.

Silicon revenues experienced 4.5% growth from the 2Q04 and 34.3% growth from 3Q03 as a result of increased prices in all diameter sales, greater 300mm sales, and overall volume demand.

“As growth peaked in the third quarter, silicon manufacturers remain optimistic about the healthy balance of supply and demand. 300mm wafers continued as the leading product in terms of unit and revenue growth,” said John Kauffmann, chairman of SEMI SMG and senior VP of sales and marketing for MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. “During the quarter, spot shortages were observed in several product families in the smaller diameter wafers. Wafer manufacturing capacity utilization remained very high in the third quarter, particularly for 200mm products.”