Epitaxial wafers are semiconductor wafers comprising single-crystal silicon layers grown on a crystalline substrate through a process known as epitaxy. Epitaxial wafers find wide application in the manufacture of integrated circuits, LEDs, image sensors, and power devices for industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and renewable energy. Growing demand for advanced driver assistance systems, IoT enabled devices, and mobile technologies is driving the consumption of high-performance semiconductor chips manufactured using epitaxial wafers. The global Epitaxial Wafer Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 938.32 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
Growing Demand for 5G Infrastructure
The rollout of 5G technology requires massive investment in network infrastructure which will drive demand for epitaxial wafers over the forecast period. 5G networks require high-frequency and low-latency semiconductor chips to support data-heavy applications such as autonomous driving, telemedicine, and augmented/virtual reality. Manufacturers are investing in developing advanced RF receivers and front-end modules using epitaxy technology to meet the performance requirements of 5G networks. Rapid deployment of 5G is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the epitaxial wafer market.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: The epitaxial wafer market has widespread application in LED lighting, power electronics and other semiconductor devices. It enables high performance products.
Weakness: Epitaxial wafer manufacturing involves complex and capital intensive process. The high capital expenditure associated with setting up fabs is a weakness.
Opportunity: Increasing demand for optoelectronic products and surge in investment in semiconductor fabs present opportunities for market growth. Emerging applications in 5G and IoT also provide new growth avenues.
Threats: Intense competition among market players and fluctuations in wafer prices are key threats. Trade uncertainties and restrictions can also impact the supply chain.
Key Takeaways
The global epitaxial wafer market demand is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. Advancements in semiconductor manufacturing technologies are expected to boost demand.
Regional analysis: Asia Pacific dominates the global market currently. China is the largest producer and consumer of epitaxial wafers globally. Emerging economies in Southeast Asia are also expanding production capacities rapidly to capitalize on global opportunity.
Key players: Key players operating in the epitaxial wafer market are EpiWorks Inc., Global Wafers Japan Co. Ltd., Nichia Corporation, SHOWA DENKO K.K., Siltronic AG, Desert Silicon Inc., Electronics and Materials Corporation Ltd. Intelligent Epitaxy Technology Inc.IQE plc., Jenoptic AG, MOSPEC Semiconductor Corporation, Norstel AB, Ommic S.A., Silicon Valley Microelectronics Inc., SVT Associates Inc. Universal Wafer Inc., Wafer Works Corporation, Xiamen Powerway Advanced Materials Co. Ltd., and Visual Photonics Epitaxy Co. Ltd. These companies are focusing on technology advancements and capacity expansions to strengthen their market presence.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
