GlobalWafers, the world’s third-largest and Taiwan’s largest semiconductor silicon wafer manufacturer, has adjusted its revenue forecast for 2024. At a press conference held on August 6, CEO Doris Hsu stated that while the silicon wafer industry’s inventory levels are expected to stabilize by year-end, a significant market rebound is unlikely in the second half of the year. As a result, the company anticipates a revenue decline of 7% to 9% compared to the previous year.
GlobalWafers had previously seen its performance grow annually from 2021 to 2023, setting new records each year. However, Hsu’s latest remarks indicate a revision in the company’s performance outlook, ending the streak of annual revenue highs. Earlier in the year, Hsu had projected that the year’s performance might be flat or slightly higher than the previous year, but recent assessments suggest otherwise.
Despite the current challenges, Hsu remains optimistic about the longer-term prospects. She predicts that demand will improve in 2025 as semiconductor inventories decrease and production capacity expands. Innovations in 2.5D and 3D advanced packaging technologies are expected to drive wafer demand, alongside the growing popularity of AI-related applications and high-bandwidth memory chips.
Looking ahead, GlobalWafers plans to maintain its production expansion strategy, investing NT$100 billion (approximately $3.14 billion) in advanced and specialty wafers to capitalize on future opportunities in the semiconductor industry. The company’s confidence in long-term growth is supported by an anticipated increase in global silicon wafer production capacity to a record high by 2025.
