The SIA has reported semiconductor sales rose 5.3% in July, 2009, compared to the previous month. Sales reached US$18.2 billion compared with June’s U$17.2 billion. However, an average monthly year-on-year decline of approximately 25% was posted, while July 2009 sales were 18.2% lower than July 2008 figures.
“The fifth-consecutive month of sequential increases in semiconductor sales reflects improving demand in the consumer sector,” noted SIA President George Scalise. “Sales of consumer products such as netbook PCs and cell phones are supporting the modest recovery in demand that is now under way. Purchases of Information Technology products by the enterprise sector continue to be tempered by caution and longer replacement cycles. There is also evidence of a return to seasonal industry patterns,”
On a geographical basis, Europe is down the most on a year-to-year comparison, recording a 31.7% decline. The weak economic climate in Japan is the second worst performing region with a 21.6% decline, year-on-year.
Month-on-month sales actually increased in all geographic sectors in July, 2009 with Japan showing the most growth. Japan recorded a 7.9% change, while Asia Pacific showed the least at 4.3% and 1% below the average for the month.