Global semiconductor sales rise 7.1 percent quarter-on-quarter

SAN JOSE, USA: Global sales of semiconductors in the second quarter of 2010 grew to $74.8 billion, an increase of 7.1 percent from the first quarter total of $69.9 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported today. June 2010 sales of $24.9 billion were 0.5 percent higher than May when sales were $24.8 billion.

“Sales in the first half of 2010 were exceptionally robust, driven by strong demand from a broad range of end markets,” said SIA president Brian Toohey.

“Worldwide semiconductor sales of $144.6 billion for the first half of 2010 were more than 50 percent higher than the same period of 2009 when sales were $96.1 billion. We expect that sequential growth rates will moderate in the coming months, with the result that year-on-year growth for the industry will be in line with our mid-year forecast of 28.4 percent.”

The SIA noted that the extraordinary year-on-year sales growth reflects not only strong demand from key end markets but also the effects of the industry slowdown in the first half of 2009.

“Macroeconomic factors such as consumer confidence, job growth, and overall economic growth continue to bear watching for their possible impact on sales in the second half,” Toohey concluded.