Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 2.7% in September

Sales tracking 2.2% above 2010 levels

WASHINGTON, D.C.—OCTOBER 31, 2011—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors were $25.8 billion for the month of September, an increase of 2.7 percent from the prior month when sales were $25.1 billion. Overall quarter-over-quarter sales increased 2.1 percent and on a year-to-date basis sales grew 2.2 percent. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

“September’s global sales demonstrate an optimistic close to the 3rd quarter,” said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “While global economic uncertainty creates limited visibility for the remainder of the year, recent positive indicators and developments in the U.S. and Europe are encouraging.”

“We would like to extend our sympathies to the people of Thailand suffering through a humanitarian crisis caused by devastating flooding,” Toohey continued.

A 13.7 percent quarter-over-quarter increase in Japan was driven by progress made in their recovery efforts. Additionally, strong demand for automotive applications and mobile processing in handheld devices like smart phones, tablets and eReaders added to the quarter-over-quarter increase. An updated World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) forecast is expected to be released at the end of November.

CLICK HERE FOR SEPT 2011 CHART & GRAPH

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, America's number-one export industry over the last five years 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