Japan Monocrystalline Silicon Sale to Rise in 2008

Monocrystalline silicon sale by Japanese major silicon ingot makers is estimated to exceed 10,000 tonnes per annum for semiconductors for the first time in 2008, announced Japanese Society of Newer Metals on Wednesday. Japanese monocrystalline silicon sale is expected to hit record for 5 years in a row since 2004. Sale of polycrystalline silicon is also estimated to continue increasing in 2008 which exceeded 7,000 tonnes for semiconductors for the first time in 2007.The society announced monocrystalline silicon sale by Japanese major silicon makers was 9,363 tonnes in 2007, up by 11% versus 2006. Demand has increased from digital appliances including personal computers, cellular phones and flat panel televisions mainly in emerging countries. Monocrystalline silicon export by Japanese major makers was 5,198 tonnes mainly for Asia in 2007, which increased by 14% year-on-year and exceeded 5,000 tonnes for the first time.Export is estimated to increase by 13% to 5,850 tonnes in 2008 from 2007 while domestic sale increase by 2% to 4,250 tonnes. In domestic market, demand would increase mainly for 300 millimeters wafers while keep flat or decrease for less than 200 mm wafers. Total sales including domestic shipment and export is expected to increase by 8% to 10,100 tonnes in 2008 from 2007.Polycrystalline silicone output by Japanese major makers was 7,364 tonnes in 2007, up by 5% versus 2006 due to the makers’ full production. Production would continue increasing in 2008 when makers keep full production and some expand their output capacity.