January Chip Sales Increase 0.3 Percent From December

by Semiconductor Industry Association

SAN JOSE, CA – March 1, 2010 – The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today reported that worldwide semiconductor sales in January were $22.5 billion, an increase of 0.3 percent from December sales of $22.4 billion. Sales increased by 47.2 percent from January 2009 when sales were $15.3 billion. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

“Worldwide semiconductor sales in January increased significantly compared to one year ago, reflecting today’s improving business environment for the industry,” said SIA President George Scalise. “January and February of 2009 were the low point of the industry downturn as the semiconductor industry and electronics manufacturers quickly responded to the global economic recession.

“We are currently seeing strength across a range of demand drivers for semiconductors, including personal computers, cell phones, automobiles, and industrial applications,” Scalise continued.

“If the current trends continue, there is upside potential for 2010 growth above our November forecast of $242.1 billion, but a growing global economy driven by consumer purchasing will be key to sustaining these trends,” Scalise concluded.

About the SIA Global Sales Report

The SIA Global Sales Report (GSR) is a three-month moving average of sales activity. The GSR is tabulated by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization, an independent, non-profit organization established by the global semiconductor industry to compile industry statistics. The moving average is a mathematical smoothing technique that mitigates variations due to differences in companies’ financial calendars.

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The SIA is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, America’s second largest exporter. SIA seeks to continue U.S. leadership in this critical sector that employs 185,000 people in the U.S., and provides the enabling technology for America’s $1.1-trillion high-tech industries with a U.S. workforce of nearly 6 million people. More information about the SIA can be found at www.sia-online.org

For more information:
Semiconductor Industry Association
John Greenagel or Anne Craib
408-436-6600
mailbox@sia-online.org