Global semiconductor sales grows 3.7 percent in H1-2011

WASHINGTON, USA: The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing US leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors were $24.7 billion for the month of June 2011, a 1.5 percent decrease from the prior month when sales were $25 billion and 0.5 percent decrease from a year ago. Sales in the second quarter were down 2 percent compared to the prior quarter. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

"Despite this month's modest contraction in sales, the industry saw a 3.7 percent increase in the first half of 2011 sales compared to the same period last year which saw record breaking growth," said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. "Overall semiconductor sales are on track with growth projections of 5.4 percent growth for 2011."Source: Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), USA.

Gains in the corporate PC refresh cycle, smartphone demand and the subsequent increased investment in IT infrastructure, as well as growing markets in China, were offset by slower consumer demand in June sales. As expected, all regions experienced growth, year to date over last year, except Japan, as the region continues to recover from the effects of the natural disaster earlier this year.

Additionally, semiconductor content will continue to increase across all sectors of end-use products especially in the automotive sector.

"The semiconductor industry should be encouraged by the US Administration's announcement on Friday of increased fuel economy standards and the effort to include more green and smart technology in vehicles. These standards will present additional opportunities for growth in the semiconductor industry, and while the implementation is years away, it is an indicator of the increasing demand for smart technology and the innovations enabled by semiconductor technology," continued Toohey.