European semiconductor sales positive in July
European semiconductor market data showed a positive trend in July, bringing sales up 4% compared to the same period last year. Figures for Microprocessors have started to grow again over June, after three months of consecutive decline.
The rebound of European sales can also be attributed to other categories including Memory products (DRAM and NAND Flash memories), logic products and Digital Signal Processors. Standard products grew in July at a faster pace compared to application specific semiconductors. Within the application specific area, consumer and computer products showed a positive performance in contrast to the results for automotive and communication products.
European Semiconductor sales in July 2006 amounted to US$ 3.167 billion according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), up 0.3% versus the previous month.
This corresponds to a 4.0% growth compared to the same month last year. On a YTD basis, semiconductor sales declined in 2006 by 1.2% versus the year 2005.
The exchange rate of the Euro compared to the US$ continues its impact on the growth data in the recent month. Measured in Euro, semiconductor sales in July were EURO 2.495 billion, down 0.6% on previous month and up 0.7% versus the same month a year ago. On a YTD basis, semiconductor sales show in 2006 a growth of 1.9% versus 2005.
On a worldwide basis, semiconductor sales in July were US$ 20.100 billion, up 1.8% versus the previous month. This results in an increase of 11.5% versus the same month in 2005 and on a YTD basis it results in a growth rate of 8.6%.