According to the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) worldwide silicon wafer area shipments contracted almost three percent during the third quarter of 2008, compared to the second quarter. However, 2Q08 shipments were the highest recorded and came after a small decline in 1Q08, compared to 4Q07.
"The total volume of silicon declined slightly in the third quarter when compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the increasing conservative mood in the industry” said Kazuyo Heinink, chairwoman of SEMI SMG and Vice President, New Product Marketing for MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.,”300mm shipments continue to grew, although at a slower rate.”
Total shipments reached 2,243 million square inches in the third quarter, compared to 2,303 million square inches shipped during the second quarter.