The global IC manufacturing equipment strong growth in North America in April shipment in advance

According to the international semiconductor equipment and Materials Association (SEMI), the first quarter of 2006, global semiconductor manufacturing equipment shipments reached $9 billion 580 million, an increase of 20% over the second quarter of 2005, higher than the same period last year about 3%. SEMI also said that in the first quarter of 2006, global semiconductor manufacturing equipment orders amounted to $9 billion 940 million, an increase of 36% over the same period last year, an increase of more than the fourth quarter of 2005, up to $18%.

SEMI's president and chief executive officer Stanley T. Myers said in a statement: "in the first quarter of 2006, orders and shipments were stronger than the fourth quarter of 2005, particularly strong growth in North America and South Korea market." He said: the majority of the region's growth rate reached two digits, only Europe and South Korea is an exception, they acquired in 2004 the production capacity has been on-line."

According to the latest data from SEMI, North America semiconductor manufacturing equipment manufacturers in April orders shipments rose to 1.11, higher than in the year of March of 1.03. Order to delivery ratio of 1.11, which means that each shipment of $100 in April, while receiving orders of $111. SEMI's order to delivery ratio is the ratio of the three month moving average of North American semiconductor equipment manufacturers worldwide orders and shipments.

"Orders rose fifth months in a row, more than $third in 1 months." Stanley T. Myers said in a statement, this trend shows increased confidence in the market, in 2006 shipments grew healthy." April global orders for the three month moving average of $1 billion 600 million, an increase of almost $1 billion 390 million in March, compared with $999 million in April 2005, an increase of more than $60%. April global shipments of three month moving average of $1 billion 450 million, an increase of $1 billion 340 million in March 2006, compared with $17% in the same period last year, an increase of nearly $1 billion 240 million.