Global Semiconductor Sales Remain Flat in August

by Dan Rosso

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oct. 2, 2012—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $24.30 billion for the month of August 2012, a slight increase of 0.1 percent from the previous month when sales were $24.27 billion and a 3.2 percent decrease from the August 2011 total of $25.1 billion. Year-to-date sales reached $189.46 billion in August 2012, down 4.6 percent compared to the same time last year.

“Global semiconductor sales have held steady in recent months despite strong macroeconomic headwinds, but these challenges have hampered growth,” said Brian Toohey, president & CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “With Election Day fast approaching, candidates should have a vigorous discussion about enacting government policies to reduce business uncertainty, accelerate the economic recovery and keep America at the forefront of innovation.” 

Year-over-year and year-to-date sales were lower across all regions, with small decreases in Japan and Asia Pacific and steeper drops in Europe and the Americas. Sales increased on a sequential monthly basis in the Americas (1.0 percent) for the first time since April 2012. Japan (1.0 percent) also increased month-over-month, while Europe (-1.9 percent) fell slightly and Asia Pacific remained flat. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.  

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a bellwether measurement of the U.S. economy. Semiconductor innovations form the foundation for America's $1.1 trillion dollar technology industry affecting a U.S. workforce of nearly 6 million. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites over 60 companies that account for 80 percent of the semiconductor production of this country. Through this coalition SIA seeks to strengthen U.S. leadership of semiconductor design and manufacturing by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry groups. The SIA works to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition in order to maintain a thriving semiconductor industry in the United States. Learn more at www.sia-online.org