Global semiconductor sales rise in January
02 Mar 2010
Worldwide semiconductor sales rose slightly in January due to strong demand for chips used in consumer and industrial products, according to a trade group report yesterday.
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said that worldwide semiconductor sales in January were $22.5 billion, an increase of 0.3 per cent from December sales of $22.4 billion.
Sales increased by 47.2 per cent from January 2009 when sales were $15.3 billion.
''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.
Scalise said that the current demand was driven by demand in personal computers, cell phones, automobiles, and industrial applications.
''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 added.
