Growth Across All Regions Strengthens Outlook for Semiconductor Sales at End of First Quarter

by Semiconductor Industry Association

WASHINGTON, D.C.—MAY 1, 2012—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors were $23.3 billion for the month of March 2012, a 1.5 percent increase from the prior month when sales were $23.0 billion, and a decrease of 7.9 percent from March 2011 when sales were $25.3 billion. Sales in the first quarter of 2012 reached $69.9 billion, a decrease of 7.9 percent over last year’s first quarter sales of $75.9 billion and a sequential decrease of 2.2 percent over the prior quarter. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

“We are encouraged to see that sequential growth resumed across all regions, especially in Europe and Japan, in March,” said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “We look for seasonal moderate growth to continue in the second quarter and build momentum as 2012 progresses. However, while forecasts for global economic growth are improving, macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties remain.”

Sales in Europe grew 3.8 percent in March, as Japan increased 1.2 percent. In addition to improving macroeconomic conditions, and increasing semiconductor content across a wide range of applications, supply chain recovery related to the Thailand floods of 2011 will continue to drive an improved outlook.

March 2012 Chart & 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