Two quarter global semiconductor sales growth of 17%

The semiconductor industry association (ISA) recently released report shows that the second quarter of 2009 global semiconductor sales was $51 billion 700 million, an increase of 17% over the first quarter of $44 billion 200 million, but compared to the same period in 2008 of $64 billion 700 million fell 20%. Global semiconductor sales in June was $17 billion 200 million, an increase of 3.7% over May, but less than in June 2008 by $20%. Semiconductor sales so far this year was $95 billion 900 million, down from 25% in the first six months of 2008. All monthly sales are the three month moving average of global semiconductor sales.

"Sales grew for the four consecutive month, indicating that the semiconductor industry is returning to normal seasonal growth patterns," said SIA President George Scalise. Manufacturers and customers are committed to supply chain management to help mitigate the impact of the global recession on the semiconductor industry, he said. "Inventory has been under tight control, which led us to believe that quarterly sales growth showed a gradual recovery in demand."

Scalise pointed out that industry analysts recently forecast to become more optimistic. At present, the general estimates for PC unit sales are down 5% compared with 2008 to 2008, while the previous estimate is down 9-12%. In the mobile phone sector, analysts now believe that unit shipments will decline by 7-9%, while the previous forecast is reduced by about 15%. PC and mobile phones accounted for about 60% of global semiconductor consumption."

China's economic stimulus measures, including encouraging people to buy consumer products and invest in 3G/TDSCDMA communications infrastructure, promote semiconductor sales in the world's largest chip market.

"The global macroeconomic environment remains a key factor in determining the timing and pace of recovery in the semiconductor industry," Scalise concluded.