Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 반도체 웨이퍼 시장은 2025년에 242억 8,000만 달러에 달하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR은 7.71%를 나타내 2032년에는 408억 5,000만 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
반도체 웨이퍼로 알려진 반도체 재료(일반적으로 실리콘)의 얇고 평평한 슬라이스는 집적 회로 및 기타 마이크로 디바이스를 생성하기 위한 빌딩 블록으로서 기능합니다. 트랜지스터, 다이오드 및 기타 전자 부품을 만들기 위해 웨이퍼는 클린 룸에서 많은 공정을 거칩니다.
정보기술 혁신재단(Information Technology &Innovation Foundation)에 따르면 2022년에 출원된 반도체 특허의 약 55%는 중국에 의한 것이라고 합니다.
스마트 디바이스와 IoT의 보급
이러한 기술은 작고 고성능 프로세서를 필요로 하며 웨이퍼 제조 및 설계 개선을 추진합니다. 의료, 자동차, 스마트 홈 등의 분야에서 사물 인터넷 용도에는 효율적이고 저파워 반도체가 필요합니다. 연결성이 점점 더 중요해짐에 따라 더 많은 센서와 마이크로컨트롤러가 흔한 것에 장착됩니다. 그 결과, 보다 고도의 로직 회로나 SOI(Silicon-on-Insulator)와 같은 특수한 웨이퍼가 생산되게 됩니다. 결과적으로 반도체 웨이퍼 시장은 사물 인터넷 생태계의 성장과 연계하여 꾸준히 성장하고 있습니다.
공급망 혼란
웨이퍼 제조 타임라인은 실리콘과 같은 원재료 부족으로 인한 병목 현상에 의해 영향을 받습니다. 웨이퍼의 효율적인 유통은 항구 혼잡과 운송 지연과 같은 물류 문제로 인해 방해받습니다. 제조업체는 이러한 혼란의 결과로 더 높은 비용을 부담하게 되며, 이러한 비용은 종종 고객에게 전가됩니다. 또한, 새로운 반도체 기술에 대한 투자는 공급망의 불확실성에 의해 억제될 수 있습니다. 결국, 반도체 섹터는 세계적인 공급망에 의존하고 있기 때문에 외부로부터의 중단의 영향을 받기 쉽고, 그것이 시장 전체의 성장을 둔화시키는 것입니다.
신재생에너지 확대
반도체는 태양전지판과 풍력 터빈의 전력 변환과 에너지 저장 시스템에 필수적입니다. 에너지 전송, 감시, 제어를 촉진합니다. 또한, 내구성과 효율을 향상시키기 위해서, 재생 가능 에너지원의 파워 일렉트로닉스의 진보에도 고품질 웨이퍼가 필요합니다.
급속한 기술 혁신
기술이 발전함에 따라 기존의 기계 및 절차가 시대에 뒤처지고 새로운 제조 능력에 대한 대규모 투자가 필요할 수 있습니다. 장래 동향의 불확실성은 시장의 불확실성을 만들어 투자의욕을 감퇴시킬지도 모릅니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19 팬데믹은 공급망의 혼란, 공장의 가동 정지, 노동력 부족을 일으켜 반도체 웨이퍼 시장을 혼란시켰습니다. 디지털 변혁이 일렉트로닉스 수요를 견인해 반도체 요구가 높아지면서 시장은 회복했습니다.
예측기간 동안 반도체 제조업체 부문이 최대가 될 전망
반도체 제조업체 부문은 고도화·소형화된 전자 부품에 대한 수요 증가에 의해 예측 기간 중 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 웨이퍼 소비는 칩의 성능과 효율을 향상시키기 위한 제조업체의 끊임없는 연구개발 투자의 결과로서 상승합니다. 모든 기술의 출현으로 프리미엄 웨이퍼 수요가 더욱 가속화되고 있습니다.
실리콘 웨이퍼 분야는 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 실리콘 웨이퍼 분야는 집적 회로 및 전자 기기의 제조에 널리 사용되고 있기 때문에 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 기기, 자동차용 전자기기 수요가 높아짐에 따라 보다 작고 효율적인 프로세서 개발 등의 기술개척이 이 시장의 확대를 더욱 가속화하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 전자, 자동차, 통신 제품 수요 증가로 아시아태평양이 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 5G 기술, AI, IoT 디바이스에 대한 투자가 확대되고 있어 첨단 웨이퍼 기술 수요를 더욱 밀어 올리고 있습니다. 또한, 유리한 정부 정책, 제조 시설의 확대, 기술 혁신에 의해 아시아태평양은 반도체 생산의 세계적 리더로서의 지위를 강화하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 이는 자동차, 통신, 가전 등의 분야에서 기술 혁신이 진행되고 있기 때문입니다. 생산 능력이 향상되고 있습니다. 또한 인공지능, 5G 기술, 사물인터넷(IoT)의 성장이 시장 확대를 더욱 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Semiconductor Wafer Market is accounted for $24.28 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $40.85 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.71% during the forecast period. A thin, flat slice of semiconductor material, usually silicon, known as a semiconductor wafer, serves as the building block for the creation of integrated circuits and other microdevices. It acts as a substrate for the construction of microelectronic components using techniques like stacking, etching, and doping. To make transistors, diodes, and other electronic components, wafers go through a number of processes in cleanroom settings. Later, these parts are chopped up and assembled into microchips, which are utilised in electronics like computers, smartphones, and car systems.
According to the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, around 55% of the semiconductor patents filed in 2022 were presented by China.
Proliferation of smart devices and IoT
Compact, high-performance processors are needed for these technologies, which propel improvements in wafer production and design. Effective, low-power semiconductors are required for Internet of Things applications in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and smart homes. More sensors and microcontrollers are being included into commonplace items as connectivity becomes more and more important. As a result, more sophisticated logic circuits and specialised wafers like SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator) are produced. Consequently, the market for semiconductor wafers grows steadily in tandem with the growing Internet of Things ecosystem.
Supply chain disruptions
Timelines for wafer manufacture are impacted by bottlenecks caused by shortages of raw materials like silicon. The efficient distribution of wafers is hampered by logistical problems such port congestion and transportation delays. Manufacturers incur higher expenses as a result of these disruptions, and these costs are frequently transferred to customers. Furthermore, investments in novel semiconductor technology may be deterred by supply chain uncertainty. In the end, the semiconductor sector is susceptible to external interruptions due to its reliance on a worldwide supply chain, which slows down market growth overall.
Expansion of renewable energy
Semiconductors are essential to the power conversion and energy storage systems of solar panels and wind turbines. High-performance wafers are also becoming more and more necessary as expenditures in energy-efficient infrastructure and smart grids increase. In renewable energy systems, semiconductors facilitate effective energy transmission, monitoring, and control. High-quality wafers are also necessary for advancements in power electronics for renewable energy sources in order to improve durability and efficiency. The market for semiconductor wafers is expanding more quickly as a result of renewable energy's increasing reliance on technology.
Rapid technological changes
Existing machinery and procedures could become outdated as technology advances, necessitating a large investment in new manufacturing capacity. Wafer availability may be impacted by supply chain disruptions and production delays. Furthermore, businesses are under more pressure to reach new performance criteria due to rapid technological improvements, frequently with less time for adaptation. Future trend uncertainty might discourage investment by creating market uncertainty. Last but not least, the industry may see a reduction in talent and an increase in labour expenses due to the requirement for specialised skills to manage new technology.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the semiconductor wafer market by causing supply chain disruptions, factory shutdowns, and labour shortages. Demand fluctuations, especially in automotive and consumer electronics sectors, further impacted production. However, the market rebounded as remote work and digital transformation drove demand for electronics, increasing the need for semiconductors. The wafer market adapted with enhanced production capacities, and by mid-2021, a recovery trend was evident, especially as global demand for electronic devices surged.
The semiconductor manufacturers segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The semiconductor manufacturers segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to increased demand for advanced and miniaturized electronic components. Wafer consumption rises as a result of manufacturers' constant R&D investments to improve chip performance and efficiency. The demand for premium wafers is further accelerated by the emergence of technologies like AI, 5G, and IoT. A consistent supply of wafers is also guaranteed by strategic alliances and capacity increases by top producers. This vibrant market segment is essential to satisfying the demand for semiconductors worldwide and driving market expansion.
The silicon wafers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the silicon wafers segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to its widespread use in manufacturing integrated circuits and electronic devices. Silicon is the material of choice for chip manufacturing because of its superior electrical qualities. The need for premium silicon wafers is increased by the rising demand for smartphones, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics. Technological developments, such the creation of more compact and effective processors, further quicken the expansion of this market. Furthermore, the need for silicon-based semiconductors is growing as a result of the development of AI, IoT, and 5G technologies.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to the increasing demand for electronics, automotive, and telecommunications products. Major countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan dominate the market, with Taiwan's semiconductor industry, particularly TSMC, being a key player. The region's growing investments in 5G technology, AI, and IoT devices further drive the demand for advanced wafer technologies. Additionally, favorable government policies, expanding manufacturing facilities, and technological innovations are strengthening Asia Pacific's position as a global leader in semiconductor production.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the ongoing technological innovations in sectors like automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The region's strong presence of semiconductor manufacturers, along with increasing investments in research and development, has boosted production capabilities. Additionally, the growth of artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is further propelling market expansion. North America's focus on sustainable and efficient semiconductor manufacturing is shaping its competitive edge in the global market.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Semiconductor Wafer Market include TSMC, Samsung Electronics, Intel Corporation, GlobalFoundries, SMIC, UMC, Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC), Tower Semiconductor, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Sumco Corporation, Siltronic AG, GlobalWafers Co., Ltd., SK Siltron, ASML Holding, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, Lam Research and KLA Corporation.
In June 2024, TSMC's affiliate, Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS), partnered with NXP Semiconductors to establish a joint venture named VisionPower Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (VSMC). The facility aims to produce semiconductors using process technologies licensed from TSMC, targeting markets such as automotive, industrial, consumer, and mobile sectors.
In April 2024, TSMC announced an expanded partnership with Microchip Technology to enhance manufacturing capacity for specialized 40nm processes. This collaboration focuses on strengthening supply chain resiliency and supporting Microchip's strategic goals by leveraging TSMC's advanced manufacturing capabilities.