Global Semiconductor Sales Increase in October; Industry on Track for Highest-Ever Annual Sales in 2013

Worldwide sales increase for eighth straight month and top $27 billion for first time ever in October; WSTS forecast projects growth of 4.4 percent in 2013 and 4.1 percent in 2014

WASHINGTON—Dec. 4, 2013—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $27.06 billion for the month of October 2013, a 7.2 percent increase from the same month last year when sales were $25.24 billion, and 0.8 percent higher than last month’s total. October marked the eighth consecutive month of increasing sales and the industry’s first-ever month above $27 billion in sales. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. Additionally, a new WSTS industry forecast projects that the industry will reach its highest-ever annual sales total in 2013, and continued growth is projected for 2014 and 2015.

“With eight straight months of growth and a new monthly sales record in October, the global semiconductor industry is on track to exceed $300 billion in annual sales for the first time ever in 2013,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “The industry is projected to maintain solid growth for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014, led largely by the Americas, which has remained well ahead of last year’s pace. Congress and the Administration can help maintain and strengthen growth by resolving fiscal uncertainty and investing in scientific research.”

Regionally, sequential monthly sales increased in the Americas (3.3 percent), Europe (1.7 percent), and Asia Pacific (0.1 percent), but decreased in Japan (-1.4 percent). Compared to October 2012, sales increased in the Americas (20.1 percent), Europe (8.6 percent), and Asia Pacific (7.4 percent), but fell in Japan (-12.1 percent), in part due to the devaluation of the Japanese yen.

SIA also today endorsed the WSTS Autumn 2013 global semiconductor sales forecast. WSTS projects the industry’s worldwide sales will reach $304.3 billion in 2013, which would be the industry’s highest-ever annual sales total and a 4.4 percent increase from the 2012 total. WSTS predicts year-over-year increases for 2013 in the Americas (10.3 percent), Asia Pacific (7.2 percent), and Europe (4.3 percent), but a sharp decline in Japan (-14.5 percent).

Beyond 2013, the industry is expected to grow steadily across all regions, according to the WSTS forecast. WSTS predicts 4.1 percent growth globally for 2014 ($316.6 billion in total sales) and 3.4 percent growth for 2015 ($327.3 billion). WSTS expects the wireless and automotive end markets to grow faster than the total market. WSTS tabulates its semi-annual industry forecast by convening an extensive group of global semiconductor companies that provide accurate and timely indicators of semiconductor trends.

To find out how to purchase the WSTS Subscription Package, which includes comprehensive monthly semiconductor sales data and detailed WSTS Forecasts, please visit http://www.semiconductors.org/industry_statistics/wsts_subscription_package/.

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 key driver of America’s economic strength, national security and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – microchips that control all modern electronics – enable the systems and products that we use to work, communicate, travel, entertain, harness energy, treat illness, and make new scientific discoveries. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million people in the U.S. In 2012, U.S. semiconductor sales totaled more than $146 billion, and semiconductors make the global trillion dollar electronics industry possible. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites companies that account for 80 percent of America’s semiconductor production. 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 stakeholders to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition.

About WSTS

World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent non-profit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.