Total wafer shipments are expected to cross the high set last year and continue to increase at modest levels over the next two years, according to an annual forecast by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI).
SEMI said polished and epitaxial silicon shipments will total to 9,131 million square inches in 2011, 9,529 million square inches in 2012, and 9,995 million square inches in 2013.
SEMI president and CEO Stanley Myers said given the tremendous shipment momentum established during the first part of the year total 2011 shipments are expected to remain at record levels.
"While short-term softening is being experienced, growth expectations for the next two years remain positive," Myers said.
SEMI in its forecast included data of polished silicon wafers, comprising virgin test wafers, and epitaxial silicon wafers shipped by wafer manufacturers to semiconductor end-users.
