Acceleration of Growth Supported by Broad-Based Recovery, Broadening AI and Advanced Packaging Demand
MILPITAS, Calif., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) reported today, in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry, that worldwide silicon wafer shipments increased 13.4% year-on-year to 3,756 million square inches (MSI) from the 3,313 MSI recorded during the same quarter of 2025. Shipments increased 5.1% quarter-over-quarter from the 3,573 MSI recorded during the second quarter of 2026.
"Silicon wafer shipments increased in the third quarter, supported by strong AI-related demand and improving industrial demand," said Masatsugu Miura, Chairman of SEMI SMG and General Manager of Sales & Marketing Department of Sales & Marketing Division at SUMCO Corporation. "AI-related demand continued to broaden beyond advanced logic and memory to include power devices and photonics. Industrial demand strengthened, supported by robotics, AI server power supplies and improving demand for general-purpose industrial semiconductors. Bonding and advanced packaging applications also continued to support demand for 300mm polished wafers."
Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for the majority of semiconductors, which are vital components of all electronic devices. The highly engineered thin disks are produced in diameters of up to 300 mm and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductors are fabricated.
The SMG is a sub-committee of the SEMI Electronic Materials Group (EMG) and is open to SEMI members involved in manufacturing polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon or silicon wafers (e.g., as cut, polished, epitaxial). The SMG facilitates collective efforts on issues related to the silicon industry, including the development of statistics about the silicon industry.
For more information, visit SEMI Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipment Statistics.
Follow SEMI Market Intelligence
Follow SEMI
About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org or contact a regional office to learn more.
Association Contacts
Samer Bahou/SEMI
Phone: 1-408-943-7870
Email: sbahou@semi.org
Lisa Gillette-Martin/Bodewell Group (Media Inquiries)
Phone: 1-408-205-4732
Email: lgmartin@bodewellgroup.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipments Increase 13.4% Year-on-Year in Q3 2026, SEMI Reports
MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), concluded with USD 22.3 billion in announcements, partnerships and deals. More than 110 announcements were made over two days across a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, technology, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, aviation, energy and water, healthcare, education, and other high-growth sectors.
From the main Plenary Stage to the Manama Circle signing stage, Gateway Gulf 2026 was marked by a steady flow of landmark deals, strategic partnerships, and major investment announcements, reflecting the depth and diversity of opportunity across the Kingdom of Bahrain and the wider region. The momentum reinforced Bahrain's position as a trusted destination for global capital and a strategic platform for businesses seeking to access opportunities across the Gulf and high-growth markets worldwide.
Over 75 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed over the two days of the event, underscoring its focus on turning dialogue into action and highlighting the breadth of partnerships advanced through Gateway Gulf 2026. Four large-scale projects, with a cumulative value of USD 3.89 billion, were awarded Bahrain's Golden License. These projects reinforce the island nation's standing as a strategic regional hub and its ability to attract high-value investments that consistently advance connectivity, innovation, and economic diversification.
Bahrain's position as a gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is supported by its highly connected, business-friendly ecosystem and diversified economy, with non-oil sectors contributing around 86% to GDP. These strengths position the Kingdom as a compelling base for businesses and investors seeking to scale and pursue long-term opportunities across the region. With a combined economy exceeding USD 2.38 trillion, the GCC is a hub for capital, talent and innovation, with sustained investment in infrastructure, regional integration and economic diversification continuing to underpin its resilience.
Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on 1–2 November under the theme "Reimagining Global Partnerships, Powering Sustainable Growth", the flagship investment forum brought together ministers, investors and global C-suite executives to forge new partnerships, mobilise cross-border capital and advance investment across high-growth sectors. The fourth edition reinforced Bahrain's role as a platform for regional and international partnership, translating its competitive strengths into tangible investment, stronger trade links, and opportunities for sustainable growth. With a clear focus on converting dialogue into action and opportunity into investment, Gateway Gulf continues to deliver partnerships with lasting economic impact for Bahrain, the region, and markets beyond.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Bahrain's Gateway Gulf 2026 Unveils USD 22.3 Billion in Strategic Announcements, Partnerships, and Deals
