SEMI, a prominent industry association serving the global electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, has published its latest 300mm Fab Outlook report, offering a positive forecast for the semiconductor manufacturing industry worldwide. The report indicates that the sector is set to sustain strong growth momentum over the coming years, primarily driven by increased production capacity and advancements in manufacturing technology. According to SEMI’s projections, from late 2024 through 2028, global semiconductor manufacturing capacity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. This growth is predicted to boost wafer production capacity to an unprecedented high of 11. 1 million wafers per month, highlighting robust demand and ongoing industry investment. A key contributor to this expansion is the continuous rise in advanced process capacity, especially technologies at 7 nanometers (nm) and below. The advanced process segment is anticipated to grow approximately 69%, with capacity increasing from 850, 000 wafers per month (wpm) in 2024 to a landmark 1. 4 million wpm by 2028. This segment’s CAGR is projected at about 14%, roughly double the overall industry growth rate. This rapid growth in advanced process capacity reflects the semiconductor industry’s sustained commitment to innovation and shrinking feature sizes to improve chip performance, energy efficiency, and integration capabilities. These advancements are essential to support a wide range of applications such as artificial intelligence, 5G communications, high-performance computing, and consumer electronics—all demanding increasingly sophisticated semiconductor components.

The rise in 300mm wafer fab capacity also mirrors broader industry trends. The shift toward more refined manufacturing processes requires substantial investment in fab equipment, materials, and infrastructure. To meet these demands, semiconductor manufacturers are expanding existing fabs and building new facilities capable of handling advanced nodes, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s growth outlook. SEMI’s report further stresses the strategic importance of maintaining supply chain resilience and technological leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. With a global imperative for advanced semiconductor devices across numerous industries, the forecasted capacity growth will be vital in meeting future market needs. In sum, SEMI’s 300mm Fab Outlook report presents an optimistic perspective for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The anticipated growth in wafer production capacity, particularly within cutting-edge 7nm and below processes, signals a vibrant and dynamic sector poised to address the demands of a technology-driven future. This expansion not only fuels the advancement of modern electronics but also underscores the critical role semiconductors play in driving global economic growth and innovation.