Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments reached 8,661 million square inches (MSI) in 2007 with revenues topping $12.1 billion, according to the latest information from SEMI Silicon Manufacturer’s Group (SMG). The 21 percent revenue rise was attributed to an overall better product mix that saw continued increase in the use of 300mm wafers. 

"Robust demand and the 300 mm ramp led to an overall strong year for the silicon industry," said Kazuyo Heinink, Chairwoman of SEMI SMG and Vice President, New Product Marketing for MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. "We expect that these drivers will fundamentally remain in place for 2008, with silicon shipments likely continuing to grow at a healthy rate."

The increase equated to an 8 percent rise over 2006 levels.