Wafer shipments are increasing.
<<Ridgeland, MS, MAY 12, 2004 (EventX/Knobias.com via COMTEX) -- According to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry, worldwide silicon wafer area shipments increased 9% sequentially in 1Q04 and 29% from 1Q03. Total silicon wafer area shipments were 1,514 million square inches during the most recent quarter, up from the 1,392 million square inches shipped during the previous quarter.
"The silicon industry is anticipating strong growth for 2004, as shipments have surpassed the record level in year 2000 and factory utilization is tightening," said John Kaufmann, vice president of Marketing for MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. and chairman SEMI SMG. "Revenue growth still lags area growth despite 300mm sales becoming a more significant part of the silicon mix, although prices are starting to firm for smaller diameter wafers. Returning to sustainable profitability remains a key factor in our industry.">> |
