Estimated wafer shipment growth rate of 6% in 2011

The latest release of CMIC (China Market Intelligence Center): The semiconductor industry achieved rapid and robust growth in 2010, with both sales and shipments reaching a record level. The CMIC data shows that the total volume of silicon wafers shipped in 2010 increased by 40%, and wafers of all sizes have grown. As the semiconductor industry recovers in large scale, the growth of 150mm and 200mm wafer shipments is equivalent to that of 300mm wafers. Overall, CMIC analysts expect that wafer shipments in 2011 will increase by 6%, and 300mm wafers may increase by 11-13%. The 150mm and 200mm wafer growth rate will slow down and is expected to be 2-3%.

Looking again at the fab's material revenues, the CMIC data shows a growth of 29% in 2010. Silicon wafer revenue increased by 40% to nearly $10.2 billion, and CMIC analysts expect to reach $10.8 billion in 2011. Photoresist and other lithography-related reagents increased to 2.45 billion U.S. dollars, and in 2011 will exceed 2.5 billion U.S. dollars. The CMP materials market is expected to grow by 9% in 2011 to reach US$1.3 billion.

According to CMIC analysts, the overall revenue growth of fab materials in 2011 is expected to be 5.5%, which is in line with the percentage increase in sales of semiconductor industry in 2011. The strong demand for electronic products, especially mobile products, may cause the semiconductor industry to grow faster than expected, thereby increasing the demand for wafers and consumables.