Global Silicon Wafer Shipments Rise in Third Quarter of 2026
SEMI reports that global silicon wafer shipments reached 3.75 billion square inches in Q3 2026, marking a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year.
Global silicon wafer shipments totaled 3.756 billion square inches during the third quarter of 2026, according to the industry association SEMI. This volume represents 33.21 million 300mm wafers, reflecting a 13.4% year-over-year increase and a 5.1% rise compared to the second quarter of 2026.
Masatsugu Miura, chairman of the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG), attributed the growth to increased demand linked to artificial intelligence, which now spans advanced logic chips, memory, power devices, and photonics. Beyond AI, the report highlights a recovery in broader industrial demand, driven by sectors such as robotics and power management for AI infrastructure.
Advanced packaging applications continue to underpin the demand for 300mm polished wafers. The latest figures signal a sustained recovery for the semiconductor supply chain as manufacturers scale production to meet diverse technological requirements.