Wafer Demand for 2020 to Decline 0.3%, says Semico Research

Today it is clear that the U.S. and world GDP will suffer due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and most forecasters are adjusting their numbers down. On the other hand, the semiconductor industry is experiencing a few sparks of positive demand by responding quickly to the warning signs from China and the shelter-at-home directive. Semiconductors used in sensing and monitoring medical end applications are expected to remain in high demand through 2020 and new wearable products are already being introduced. As a result of the "unexpected" market demands in these areas, a new research study from Semico Research, Semico Wafer Demand: Q1 2020 Highlights (MA110-20), reports that wafer demand for 2020 will decline by only 0.3%.

"Semiconductors used in sensing and monitoring medical equipment and work at home computing are expected to remain in high demand through 2020, and new wearable products are already being introduced. Semico believes even infrared thermometers will become a part of the 'new normal'," says Joanne Itow, Manager Manufacturing Research for Semico. "Although some prognosticators believe the rollout of 5G will be delayed, Semico believes the demands of work-at-home, video meetings, telemedicine, home school and consumer streaming reinforce the belief that 'if you build it, they will come.' This is encouraging the U.S. to continue rolling out 5G this year."

Additional key findings include:
• Total wafer demand in 2020 is expected to drop to 106.1 million 300mm wafer equivalents.
• 2020 NAND revenues are expected to increase 10% compared to 2019.
• Microprocessor units are expected to grow 8% in 2020 with a smaller growth in wafer demand.
• Wafer demand for Computer and Peripheral MOS Logic is expected to increase 10.3% in 2020

Semico Research's report, Semico Wafer Demand Q1 2020 Highlights (MA110-20), includes an Excel spreadsheet which provides wafer demand by 18 product categories and 14 technology nodes over a 13-year time frame from 2010 to 2022. There is also a summary write-up which provides insight into the recent trends for key semiconductor product categories.

For pricing and additional information, please contact:
Rick Vogelei, Business Development
Phone: 480-435-8564
Email: rickv@semico.com

About Semico
Semico is a semiconductor marketing & consulting research company located in Phoenix, Arizona. We offer custom consulting, portfolio packages, individual market research studies and premier industry conferences.