Japan Monocrystalline Silicon Sales Up to 9,200t/y in 2007

Monocrystalline silicon sales by Japanese major silicon ingot makers belonging to Japan Society of Newer Metals are estimated to increase by 9% to 9,200 tonnes per year in 2007 from previous year, according to the Society. The sales volume is expected to hit annual record for 4 straight years thanks to steady demand for semiconductors, especially for 300 millimeters diameter silicon wafers. Annual sales of polycrystalline silicon is forecasted to increase by 3% to 7,200 tonnes in 2007 from previous year, which is the material for monocrystalline silicon. Polycrystalline silicon makers are in full production to meet active demand.World semiconductor market is expected to grow by 8.6% in 2007 from previous year, according to World Semiconductor Trade Statistics. Especially 10% annual growth is expected in Asian area where production bases of electronic appliances are shifted. Silicon wafer demand is increasing for 300 mm diameter, while still keeps strong for 200 mm and less than 200 mm.Japanese monocrystalline silicon export is estimated to increase by 14% to 5,200 tonnes in 2007 among Japanese 8 major silicon makers including Shin-Etsu Handotai and SUMCO, while the domestic sales would increase by 3% to 4,000 tonnes. Monocrystalline silicon production by the 8 makers will increase by 11% to 7,900 tonnes in 2007 from previous year.