The semiconductor wafers market report, recently released by ESOMAR-certified market research firm Future Market Insights (FMI), forecasts a mostly positive growth trajectory for the 2020–2030 assessment period. The analysis reveals the key forces that will shape the market’s potential for future growth.

As businesses and corporations aim to diversify their operations in the future, one of the main growth drivers is the deeper adoption of 5G technology. A quarter of all mobile traffic data will be transmitted over 5G networks by 2024, which will be spread across 2/5 of the planet. As a result, wafer output to make ICs for 5G devices is increasing.

Key Takeaways

• By application, automotive semiconductor wafer to experience nearly twofold growth until 2030
• Extensive applications to be witnessed across consumer electronics, particularly in the manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs)
• By size, 150-200 mm semiconductor wafers is likely to generate over 2/3rd revenue share by 2020-end
• East Asia to emerge as the market hegemon, with China pivoting maximum growth, Europe and North America remain highly lucrative
• Global semiconductor wafers market to register value CAGR worth 5.6% through 2030

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The novel coronavirus pandemic has ushered in multiple impacts across the global semiconductor wafers market. Stringent government-mandated lockdowns have contracted production of automotives, a key application area for semiconductor wafers.

A 16% decline was experienced in the global automotive industry since the past few months, thereby restraining sales of semiconductor wafers for multiple purposes such as infotainment systems, collision detection and navigation.

Simultaneously, surging sales of consumer electronic products is keeping the semiconductor wafers market demand afloat, particularly across emerging economies. With mandatory lockdowns imposed, corporate entities, educational institutions and entertainment houses are encouraging virtual interactions, thus upscaling demand for smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent semiconductor wafers manufacturers profiled in the report include Applied Materials Inc., ASM International, Nikon Corporation, SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions Co. Ltd., Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited, ASML Holding N.V., KLA Corporation, Lam Research Corporation and others.

In November 2020, Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation launched its 3D SEM CT1000 used for defect observation across semiconductors. The devices enable a three-dimensional observation of pattern and defects shapes occurring during the manufacturing process on wafers measuring up to 200 mm in diameter.