SEMI Projects 11.8% Growth in Semiconductor Silicon Wafer Shipments by 2026
Global silicon wafer shipments are expected to reach 14.42 billion square inches in 2026, marking a significant recovery for the semiconductor industry.
The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) organization has released its latest annual forecast, projecting an 11.8% increase in silicon wafer shipments for 2026. This would bring global volume to 14.42 billion square inches, equivalent to approximately 127.5 million 12-inch wafers, positioning the year as the second-highest on record.
Looking further ahead, the report indicates a sustained growth trajectory between 2027 and 2029. SEMI forecasts that annual shipment volumes will surpass the 2022 peak, eventually reaching 17.034 billion square inches by the end of 2029. This long-term trend suggests a recovery and expansion phase for wafer manufacturers.
The current market shift is driven by widespread demand across different chip categories. Artificial intelligence development is fueling the need for epitaxial wafers in advanced logic processes, while memory production is driving demand for polished wafers. Additionally, the industry has observed a recovery in utilization rates for mature semiconductor manufacturing processes.