MILPITAS, CA -- Worldwide silicon wafer shipments increased 7% year-over-year in the second quarter as AI demand continued to drive semiconductor production, according to SEMI's Silicon Manufacturers Group.

 Worldwide silicon wafer shipments reached 3,573 million square inches (MSI) in the second quarter, up 7% from 3,327 MSI a year earlier and 9% above the first quarter.

SEMI attributed the continued growth to expanding AI-related demand across advanced logic, memory, power devices and photonics, while noting that industrial and automotive markets are showing signs of recovery. At the same time, memory pricing pressures continue to weigh on demand for PCs and smartphones.

Semiconductor manufacturers are continuing to invest in capacity expansion to support growing demand. Silicon wafers serve as the substrate material for most semiconductor devices and are a key indicator of activity across the chip manufacturing industry.