Demand for semiconductors in the typically strong seasonal time of
October saw sales increase to US$21.7 billion in October, a 5.1%
increase from September when sales were US$20.6 billion, according to
the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). Tight supply throughout
the supply chain could mean that the strong demand continues into
November, limiting the fall-off typically seen as the holiday season
draws closer.
“October is historically a strong month for the semiconductor industry as electronic equipment manufacturers ramp production for the holiday season,” commented George Scalise, President of SIA. “Inventory management throughout the supply chain has been very tight, and this may extend the fourth-quarter build season by a few weeks.”
Sales are only 3.5% below October 2008 when sales reached US$22.5 billion. Sales for the first 10 months of 2009 were US$180.0 billion, a decline of 16.6% from the same period of 2008 when sales were US$215.8 billion.
All regions showed month-on-month increases. The strongest change was seen in Europe, growing 7.5%. Asia-Pacific continues to see strong growth as expected.