Global Semicon Industry Posts Largest Monthly Sales Increase in 3 Years

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The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $28.0 billion for the month of August 2016, an increase of 3.5% compared to the previous month’s total of $27.1 billion and an uptick of 0.5% over the August 2015 total of $27.9 billion. August marked the market’s largest month-to-month growth since May 2013 and its first year-to-year growth since June 2015. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. 

“Following months of sluggish global semiconductor sales, the global market recently has shown signs of a rebound, punctuated by solid growth in August,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “The Americas market was particularly encouraging, topping 6%  month-to-month growth for the first time in nearly three years to lead all regional markets. China also stood out, posting by far the strongest year-to-year growth of all regions in August. All told, global sales are still behind last year’s pace, but appear to be on the right track as 2017 draws closer.” 

Month-to-month sales increased across all regions: the Americas (6.3%), Japan (4.8%), China (3.1%), Asia Pacific/All Other (2.7%), and Europe (0.7%). Year-to-year sales increased in China (7.1%) and Japan (2.2 percent), but fell in Asia Pacific/All Other (-2.7%), the Americas (-3.1%), and Europe (-3.3%).

About SIA 

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – microchips that control all modern electronics – enable the systems and products we use to work, communicate, travel, entertain, harness energy, treat illness, and make new scientific discoveries. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million people in the U.S. In 2015, U.S. semiconductor company sales totaled $166 billion, and semiconductors make the global trillion dollar electronics industry possible. SIA seeks to strengthen U.S. leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry stakeholders to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition. 

About WSTS 

World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent non-profit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.