July semi sales sizzle with 37% growth

By Suzanne Deffree, Managing editor, news -- EDN, August 31, 2010

In spite of signs of a slowing overall economy, July semiconductor sales showed continuing momentum and growth, the SIA (Semiconductor Industry Association) reported this week.

Global sales of semiconductors reached $25.2 billion in July, an increase of 1.2% from June when sales were $24.9 billion and an increase of 37% from July 2009 when sales were $18.4 billion, according to data from the association.

"Worldwide sales of semiconductors were strong in July despite growing indications of slower growth in the overall economy," said SIA President Brian Toohey in a statement. "The continued proliferation of semiconductors into a broad range of products provides opportunities for industry expansion even in a period of slower overall economic growth."

By region, the Americas showed the greatest year-over-year sales gain in July at 52.7%. At 19.9%, Japan's sales grew the least year over year by region. (See sales data below)

The Americas also shined on a month-over-month basis, growing 3.6% and outpacing all other regions. Asia Pacific was the only region monitored by the SIA that did not record growth, with data showing flat results month over month.

Year to date sales totaled $169.2 billion, an increase of 46.7% from the $115.3 billion reported for the first seven months of 2009, the association's data showed.

"Although recent public statements from a number of major manufacturers have emphasized limited visibility for the near-term, we continue to expect that industry growth for 2010 will be in line with our mid-year forecast of 28.4%," Toohey said.

All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average, the SIA reminded.
 

Month-to-month sales in billions of dollars
Market	June	July	% Change
Americas	4.58	4.75	3.6%
Europe	3.10	3.13	0.8%
Japan	3.77	3.88	3.1%
Asia Pacific	13.48	13.48	0.0%
Total	24.93	25.24	1.2%
Year-to-year sales in billions of dollars
Market	July 2009	July 2010	% Change
Americas	3.11	4.75	52.7%
Europe	2.33	3.13	34.2%
Japan	3.24	3.88	19.9%
Asia Pacific	9.75	13.48	38.4%
Total	18.42	25.24	37.0%
Three-month-moving average sales in billions of dollars
Market	Feb/March/April	May/June /July	% Change
Americas	4.12	4.75	15.2%
Europe	3.08	3.13	1.5%
Japan	3.68	3.88	5.5%
Asia Pacific	12.93	13.48	4.3%
Total	23.81	25.24	6.0%

  

Source: SIA, August 2010