European sales strength
Semiconductor chip sales in Europe have increased in August, as a combined consequence of a weaker than average July and positive developments in some end use markets, notably PC and handsets. European semiconductor sales in August 2005 amounted to US$ 3.078 billion according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), up 1.0% versus the previous month. This corresponds to a decline of 4.3% compared to the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis, semiconductor sales still increased by 1.4% versus the same period in 2004.
As expected, demand for flash memory has increased worldwide, and registers a good 2% growth for Europe. Microprocessors and specific applications have reversed the negative trend registered in the past months. Logic-specific chips (+3,3%) have done well, driven by the computer and communication areas.
The exchange rate of the Euro compared to the US$ is still having an impact on growth data but with decreasing impact. Measured in Euro, semiconductor sales in August were EURO 2.525 billion, up 1.9% on previous month and a decline of 4.4% versus the same month a year ago. On a year-to-date basis, semiconductor sales show a decline of 2.1% versus the same period in 2004.
On a worldwide basis, semiconductor sales in August were US$ 18.584 billion, up strongly 3.2% versus the previous month. This results in an increase of 1.7% versus the same month in 2004 and on a year-to-date basis an unchanged growth rate of +5.8%.
