Global Semiconductor Sales Down 5.7 Percent Year-to-Year in January

by Semiconductor Industry Association

Month-to-month sales fall across all regions, decrease 7.2 percent overall

WASHINGTON—March 4, 2019—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $35.5 billion for the month of January 2019, a decrease of 5.7 percent from the January 2018 total of $37.6 billion and 7.2 percent less than the December 2018 total of $38.2 billion. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.

“Global semiconductor sales got off to a slow start in 2019, as year-to-year sales decreased in January for the first time since July 2016 and month-to-month sales were down across all major product categories and regional markets,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. “Following record sales over the last three years, reaching $469 billion in 2018, it seems clear the global market is experiencing a period of slower sales. The long-term outlook remains promising, however, due to the ever-increasing semiconductor content in a range of consumer products and future growth drivers such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, the Internet of Things, and 5G and next-generation communications networks.

Regionally, year-to-year sales increased slightly in Europe (0.2 percent), but fell in the Americas (-15.3 percent), Asia Pacific/All Other (-3.8 percent), China (-3.2 percent), and Japan (-1.5 percent). Compared to last month, sales were down across all regional markets: Europe (-1.5 percent), Asia Pacific/All Other (-3.6 percent), Japan (-4.7 percent), China (-8.5 percent), and the Americas (-13.0 percent).

For comprehensive monthly semiconductor sales data and detailed WSTS Forecasts, consider purchasing the WSTS Subscription Package. For detailed historical information about the global semiconductor industry and market, consider ordering the SIA Databook.

January 2019 chart and graph

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About SIA
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the semiconductor industry, one of America’s top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – the tiny chips that enable modern technologies – power incredible products and services that have transformed our lives and our economy. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million workers in the United States, and U.S. semiconductor company sales totaled $209 billion in 2018. SIA members account for nearly 95 percent of all U.S. semiconductor industry sales. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration, and key industry stakeholders around the world to encourage policies that fuel innovation, propel business, and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org.

About WSTS
World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent non-profit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.