The growth of the silicon manufacturing industry wasn’t hard to predict in 2024. The shortage of silicon wafer suppliers caused by COVID-19 lockdowns and an inability to meet growing demand has been diminishing slowly. Meanwhile, more and more governments are investing in manufacturers to boost production.
However, most predictions failed to estimate the real size of this recovery. Here are the key stats to know about silicon manufacturing in 2024.
5 Unbelievable Stats of Silicon Manufacturing in 2024
Strong fourth-quarter results and steady year-over-year growth across most industry segments marked the end of 2024 for the global semiconductor manufacturing sector. Some important stats include:
With double-digit (19%) growth predicted and sales of $627 billion for the year, the semiconductor industry had a strong 2024, surpassing the previous prediction of $611 billion.
As of mid-December 2024, the combined market capitalization of the top 10 global chip companies was $6.5 trillion, which was 235% higher than the $1.9 trillion recorded in mid-November 2022 and 93% higher than the $3.4 trillion recorded in mid-December 2023.
The need for next-generation AI chips has been a factor driving industry sales. In 2024, the market was worth over $125 billion, accounting for over 20% of all chip sales that year.
By 2024, research and development expenditures were expected to account for 52% of the chip industry's total earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), up from an average of 45% in 2015.
In Q4 2024, installed wafer fab capacity produced a record 42 million wafers globally per quarter (in 300 mm wafer equivalent). Due to advanced node capacity expansion, the segment is expected to grow 2.1% in Q1 2025 after growing 2.3% in Q4 2024.
Silicon Wafer Suppliers and Manufacturers Continue to Grow
Semiconductor manufacturing is a cyclical industry, susceptible to changes and constant innovation. Despite seasonality and the challenges of a tense macroeconomic environment, investments continue to fuel expansion for silicon wafer procedures.
Here at Wafer World, we’re attentive to upcoming industry changes. Contact us today to learn more about our products and their role in the American wafer industry!
