SIA: Memory boosts global semiconductor sales
The SIA also points out that effective government policies are needed to spur stronger growth in the semiconductor industry
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $23.25 billion in February 2013.
This represented an increase of 1.4 percent from February 2012 when sales were $22.93 billion.
Global sales from February 2013 were 3.8 percent lower than the January 2013 total of $24.17 billion, reflecting seasonal trends.
However, year-to-date sales through February 2013 were 2 percent higher than at the same point last year. All monthly sales numbers quoted here represent a three-month moving average.
"Despite persistent economic uncertainty, the global semiconductor industry is off to a promising start in 2013 - led by strength in memory sales - and is ahead of last year's pace," says Brian Toohey, president and CEO of SIA.
"To help spur stronger growth, Congress and the Administration should invest in basic research to boost American innovation, reform the high-skilled immigration system to welcome the top scientific minds from around the world, and modify the tax system so businesses can expand, invest and hire new workers."
Regionally, year-over-year sales increased in Asia Pacific (6.7 percent) and the Americas (1.6 percent), but decreased in Europe (-1.5 percent) and Japan (-15.7 percent). Sales increased in Europe (1.4 percent) compared to the previous month, but decreased in Asia Pacific (-3.6 percent), Japan (-5 percent) and the Americas (-6.2 percent).
The table below shows the trend variation in semiconductor sales by region.
