Silicon Wafers Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Wafer Size (0–100 Mm, 100–200 Mm, 200–300 Mm, More Than 300 Mm), By Fabrication Method (Czochralski Technique (Cz), Bridgeman Method, Float-Zone, Others), By Industry Vertical (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The Silicon Wafers market was valued at US$8,192.598 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.04% over the forecast period to reach a total market size of US$11,554.739 million by 2027.

All types of electronic devices and components contain silicon wafers, a material used in semiconductor production. The technology is used to fabricate integrated circuits and microelectronics. During microfabrication, silicon wafers function as substrates between microelectronic components as well as perform many other microfabrication processes such as doping, ion implantation, and etching. A significant share of the market will continue to be held by consumer electronics. A high degree of miniaturisation has resulted from the demand for more compact electronics. In addition to consumer expectations growing worldwide, a significant market for consumer electronics will continue to be driven by advanced technological devices such as smartphones, smart wearables, PCs, smart home devices, and other intelligent gadgets. Increasing disposable incomes and the acceptance of these devices will increase silicon wafer demand substantially in developing countries. US government investments in the semiconductor industry will significantly boost regional prospects. The U.S. Senate announced it would invest USD 52 billion in strengthening domestic semiconductor production as part of a broader effort to compete against China in May 2021. Furthermore, the growing popularity of automobiles in APAC is evident in the fact that more residents can now afford cars and other automobiles, resulting in a demand for semiconductors.  There has been an increase in revenues generated by the silicon wafer market due to the demand for semiconductors in the region.

APAC is on the rise in the consumer electronics and automotive sectors. Consumer electronics like mobile phones, TVs, digital cameras, and many others are experiencing a surge in demand due to economic growth in countries like China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. For instance, the GDP of Asia will surpass the GDP of the rest of the world combined in 2020.  Global growth is expected to reach 60% by 2030 if the region continues to grow at its current pace. (Source: weforum.org)

Growth Factors

• The rise in demand for automotives

Among the key factors driving the global silicon wafer market are increasing vehicle demand, and an increase in manufacturing activity. The move towards hybrid and electric vehicles is due to higher vehicle demands and manufacturing. Developing and introducing new technologies into the automotive sector were other factors contributing to the development of the industry. The automotive industry offers vehicles with an anti-braking system when it grows. Innovations such as these support the drive for silicon wafers.  The market’s growth is therefore supported by these factors going forward into the future. A study conducted by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) measures the production of 91.54 million motor vehicles in 2018. Over 200 million electric passenger cars are predicted to be on the road by 2030, a rapid increase of just over 2 million vehicles in 2016. By 2030, there could be 900 million electric two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles on the road, which is more than the number of four-wheeled cars. (Source: irena.org).  These augmentations will consequently offer numerous opportunities to silicon wafer suppliers thus, boosting their market growth.

Restrain:

• High cost and maintenance:

A High initial investment coupled with a questionable lack of returns is a major challenge facing silicon wafer vendors. Furthermore, thin silicon wafers for semiconductor fabrication are difficult to handle and must be supported mechanically outside, which makes it even more difficult for processors to handle 450 mm silicon wafers. This means it becomes necessary to use rigid career wafers, specially designed chucks, and dicing tape, thus exceeding budget expectations. Furthermore, the final product packaging is cumbersome. Although the silicon wafer market is expected to expand, vendors are ready to invest in manufacturing given the upcoming expansion in market size. Due to augmented reality, virtual reality, IoT, and artificial intelligence, the market is expected to become more competitive in the next few years.

COVID-19's Impact on the Silicon Wafer Market:  The electronics manufacturing industry was temporarily suspended in several regions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result of the pandemic, the automotive industry also briefly halted operations. Together, these factors and the pandemic's impact were further amplified by product shortages caused by supply chain problems. Although mobile device sales in certain markets have risen as work from home and remote learning practices have taken hold, smartphone, laptop, and tablet sales have increased overall. Manufacturing companies ramped up semiconductor production toward 2020's end in response to growing demand from a variety of industries, such as automotive, electronics, and others. Manufacturers will still be affected by chip shortages for a while, but the future of wafer manufacturers is bright. Therefore, despite the initial disruption in the silicon wafer market, the industry is growing steadily.

Silicon Wafers Market Scope:

Market Segmentation

• By Wafer Size
  • 0– 100 mm
  • 100 – 200 mm
  • 200 – 300 mm
  • More than 300 mm 
• By Fabrication Method
  • Czochralski Technique (Cz)
  • Bridgeman Method
  • Float-Zone
  • Others
• By Industry Vertical
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Automotive
  • Manufacturing
  • Telecommunications
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Others 
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others 
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • UK
    • Italy
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Japan
    • Others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What will be the silicon wafer market by 2027?
A1. The silicon wafer market is expected to reach a market size of US$11,554.739 million in 2027.

Q2. What is the size of the global silicon wafer market?
A2. Silicon Wafers Market was valued at US$8,192.598 million in 2020.

Q3. What are the growth prospects for the silicon wafer market?
A3. The global silicon wafer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.04% over the forecast period.

Q4. How is the global silicon wafer market segmented?
A4. The silicon wafer market has been segmented by wafer size, fabrication method, industry vertical, and geography.

Q5. What factors are anticipated to drive the silicon wafer market growth?
A5.  Among the key factors driving the global silicon wafer market is increasing vehicle demand, as well as an increase in manufacturing activity.