Global Semiconductor Sales Grow 3.7% in First Half of 2011

Sales for June 2011 experience modest contraction from May

WASHINGTON, D.C.—August 1, 2011—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today 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.”

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 U.S. 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.

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About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, America's number-one export industry over the last five years and a bellwether measurement of the U.S. economy. Semiconductor innovations form the foundation for America's $1.1 trillion dollar technology industry affecting a U.S. workforce of nearly 6 million. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites over 60 companies that account for 80 percent of the semiconductor production of this country. Through this coalition SIA seeks to strengthen US leadership of semiconductor design and manufacturing by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry groups. The SIA works to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition in order to maintain a thriving semiconductor industry in the United States. Learn more at www.sia-online.org