According to the latest report from SEMI’s Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG), silicon wafer shipments have been declining for four consecutive quarters.

According to the report, global silicon wafer shipments in the third quarter were 2,932 million square inches, the lowest since the second quarter of 2017, down 1.7% from the previous quarter and down 9.9% from the same period last year. As of now, silicon wafer shipments have been declining for four consecutive quarters.

SMG pointed out that the decline in demand for silicon wafers was mainly due to trade disputes in different regions and the impact of the global economic downturn.

Compared to last year’s record high silicon wafer shipments, global silicon wafer shipments are now in a downturn.