Global Semiconductor Sales Increase in May, Remain on Track for Modest Growth in 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.—JULY 3, 2012—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $24.4 billion for the month of May 2012, a 1.4 percent increase over the prior month when sales were $24.1 billion.

Combined global sales for the March-April-May period increased over December-January-February by the highest rate (6.4 percent) since June 2010. Additionally, May marked the third consecutive month that sales have grown over the previous month – the longest streak of sequential monthly growth since September 2010. However, sales from May 2012 were 3.4 percent lower than the May 2011 total of $25.2 billion, and 2012 year-to-date sales were lower across all regions than at this time last year. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

“The upward trend of global semiconductor sales is encouraging,” said Brian Toohey, president & CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Recent sales totals are in line with industry projections of modest growth for the remainder of 2012, but a sluggish global economy continues to provide substantial headwinds, limiting more robust growth.”

Regionally, semiconductor sales increased in Asia Pacific (10.5 percent), Europe (4.4 percent) and the Americas (1.6 percent) over a three-month moving average, but fell slightly in Japan (-0.7 percent). However, Japan realized an increase in sales from May 2011 to May 2012 (0.4 percent), while Asia Pacific (-1.9 percent), the Americas (-3.2 percent) and Europe (-13.6 percent) all saw year-to-year decreases.

Click here to view the May 2012 table and graph.

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries 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 U.S. 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