The semiconductor market grew 3.7% in the first half of this year despite a 1.5% contraction between May and June, says the SIA.
June sales of $24.7m were down on May’s $25bn.
“Despite this month’s modest contraction in sales, the industry saw a 3.7 percent increase in the first half of 2011 sales compared to the same period last year which saw record breaking growth,” says Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Overall semiconductor sales are on track with growth projections of 5.4 percent growth for 2011.”
Growth came from the corporate PC refresh cycle, smartphone demand and the increased investment in IT infrastructure, as well as growing markets in China.
June sales were hit by slower consumer demand.
All regions experienced growth, year to date over last year, except Japan, as it recovers from the March earthquake.
“The semiconductor industry should be encouraged by the U.S. Administration’s announcement on Friday of increased fuel economy standards and the effort to include more green and smart technology in vehicles,” says Toohey, “these standards will present additional opportunities for growth in the semiconductor industry, and while the implementation is years away, it is an indicator of the increasing demand for smart technology and the innovations enabled by semiconductor technology.”