SAN JOSE -- Second-quarter worldwide silicon wafer area shipments rose 5% sequentially, the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group reported.

Total silicon wafer area shipments were 2,392 million sq. in. during the quarter, up from 2,287 million sq. in. the previous quarter. New quarterly total area shipments were up 1% year-over-year.

"Silicon shipments increased during the most recent quarter," said Dr. Volker Braetsch, chairman of SEMI SMG. "It is notable how well silicon suppliers were able to support the overall semiconductor industry in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan."

Silicon wafers are considered a leading indicator for future end-product growth. The data include polished silicon wafers, including virgin test wafers, epitaxial silicon wafers, and non-polished silicon wafers shipped by the wafer manufacturers to the end-users.

Table. Semiconductor Silicon Shipments in Sq. In. (Millions)

Q2 2010    2,365

Q1 2011    2,287

Q2 2011    2,392

Note: Shipments include semiconductor applications only, not solar applications.