Worldwide sales of semiconductors fell 0.1% sequentially in June, to $24.4 billion, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents leading semiconductor manufacturers and designers. June sales fell 2% compared to the same period a year ago, but the year-over-year decrease was smaller than it has been since October 2011, the report said.
Regionally, semiconductor sales increased in Japan and Asia Pacific, but fell in Europe and the Americas.
“The semiconductor industry continues to navigate the turbulent global economy better than most sectors, but macroeconomic uncertainties are limiting overall recovery and growth. The Japan and Asia Pacific sequential increases are encouraging signs, but are tempered by continued weakness in Europe and the Americas,” said Brian Toohey, SIA’s president and CEO. “Congress can help ease economic uncertainty by enacting effective and dependable policies that promote American competitiveness and spur economic growth. Policymakers should chart a path forward during the August congressional recess and return to Washington, D.C., next month ready to act.”
Semiconductor sales increased 2% on a sequential monthly basis in Japan and 0.6% in Asia Pacific, but fell 0.7% in Europe and declined 3.6% in the Americas. Compared to June 2011, monthly sales increased 3.7% in Japan and 1% in Asia Pacific in June, but fell steeply in the Americas and Europe—8% and 12%, respectively. Japan and Asia Pacific attained month-over-month and year-over-year growth simultaneously for the first time since September 2010.
