Worldwide silicon wafer shipments edge higher to new record
30 May 2022
News
Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments in the first quarter of 2022 surpassed the previous record high set in the third quarter of 2021, rising 1% quarter-over-quarter to 3679 million square inches, according to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry. First-quarter 2022 silicon wafer shipments saw 10% growth from the 3337 million square inches reported during the same quarter last year.
“This new silicon shipping milestone points to continued growth in all areas of the semiconductor market,” said Anna-Riikka Vuorikari-Antikainen, chairman of SEMI SMG. “Silicon wafer supply remains tight and may stay constrained with many new semiconductor fab investments announced.”

Table 1. Silicon area shipment trends (semiconductor applications only).
Data cited in this release include polished silicon wafers such as virgin test and epitaxial silicon wafers, as well as non-polished silicon wafers shipped to end users.
The SMG is a sub-committee of the SEMI Electronic Materials Group (EMG) and is open to SEMI members involved in manufacturing polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon or silicon wafers.
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...