Global Silicon Wafer Market — 2025 Update
Updated: October 2, 2025
2025 Snapshot of the Silicon Wafer Market
Following a soft 2024, the silicon wafer industry has returned to growth in 2025. Industry data indicate worldwide silicon wafer shipments of ~2,896 million square inches (MSI) in Q1 2025 (about +2.2% year-over-year), with momentum strengthening to roughly ~3,327 MSI in Q2 2025 (approximately +10% YoY). Directional public summaries put 2025 market value around ~$19.3B (vs. ~$18.25B in 2024). The broader semiconductor market outlook near ~$697B in 2025 supports demand across logic, memory, and power devices.
Wafer Size Trends (300 mm vs 200 mm)
- 300 mm: Fastest growth, driven by AI/HPC, advanced logic, and memory ramps.
- 200 mm: Stable core for power/analog/automotive at mature nodes; tightness varies by device class.
- ≤150 mm: Specialty uses (MEMS, sensors, R&D) where volume is lower but specs are diverse.
End-Markets Driving Demand
- AI & HPC: Advanced logic and HBM supply chains are the biggest incremental pull on 300 mm prime wafers.
- Automotive & Industrial: Electrification and ADAS sustain demand for power devices (IGBTs, MOSFETs).
- Consumer: Smartphones/PCs showing early-stage recovery; still cyclical by region.
Regional Market Dynamics
Asia-Pacific remains the center of gravity for wafer supply/consumption. U.S. and EU policies are catalyzing localized fab investment, although raw wafer materials and capacity remain APAC-centric. In photovoltaics (solar wafers), China holds a dominant share of global production, which influences price formation in that segment.
Supplier Landscape (Prime & Engineered)
- Shin-Etsu Handotai (SEH) – global leader in quality/volume.
- SUMCO – major supplier of 300 mm prime wafers.
- GlobalWafers – expanding capacity and footprint.
- Siltronic – strong European presence; 300 mm expansion focus.
- SK Siltron – investments in Si and SiC; automotive focus.
- Soitec – engineered wafers (SOI, RF-SOI) for performance and integration benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 300 mm wafers growing faster than 200 mm in 2025?
Yes. Early 2025 data show YoY growth in 300 mm shipments, supported by AI/HPC and advanced logic ramps.
What’s the expected 2025 silicon wafer market value?
Directional public summaries place 2025 near ~$19.3B (vs. ~$18.25B in 2024). For procurement decisions, rely on primary sources or direct supplier quotes.
How do semiconductor wafers differ from solar wafers?
IC wafers are substrates for integrated circuits; PV wafers are for solar cells. PV production is concentrated in China, which affects global pricing.
Need a specific spec? See the left column for fast quoting and links to 300 mm, 200 mm, SOI, and EPI options.