The global semiconductor materials market increased 25% in 2010 compared to 2009 as the semiconductor industry shipped record units. Record device shipments are primarily responsible for the record revenues experienced by the materials industry, surpassing the previous high of US$42.67 billion set in 2007.
Semiconductor materials market revenues totaled US$43.55 billion globally in 2010, said SEMI. Total wafer fabrication materials and packaging materials were US$22.93 billion and US$20.63 billion, respectively, in 2010. Comparable revenues for these segments in 2009 were US$17.75 billion for wafer fabrication materials and US$17.09 billion for packaging materials. Significant increases in silicon and advanced packaging substrates revenues contributed to the growth, SEMI added.
Japan remains the largest consumer of semiconductor materials with US$9.20 billion in total sales, though the materials market in Taiwan reached US$9.11 billion due to its large foundry and advanced packaging base, SEMI said. All regional markets experienced double-digit growth. Rising gold metal prices propelled revenues in regions with strong packaging bases.