Global Semiconductor Industry Forecast Projects Sales Down 12.1% in 2019

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The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors were $32.1 billion in April 2019, a decrease of 14.6% from the April 2018 total of $37.6 billion and 0.4% less than the March 2019 total of $32.3 billion. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. Additionally, a newly released WSTS industry forecastprojects annual global sales will decrease 12.1% in 2019, then increase 5.4% in 2020. SIA represents U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research.

“The global semiconductor market continued to sputter in April, as year-to-year and month-to-month sales remained negative,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. “Sales were down compared to last year across all major regional markets and semiconductor product categories. Global sales are projected to decrease by 12% this year, then rebound somewhat with moderate growth expected next year.”

Regionally, sales increased slightly on a month-to-month basis in Japan (2.5%) and China (1.8%), but decreased in Europe (-1.2%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-2.0%), and the Americas (-3.0%). On a year-to-year basis, sales were down across all regional markets: Europe (-8.0%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-10.7%), China (-10.9%), Japan (-10.9%), and the Americas (-29.5%).

Additionally, SIA today endorsed the WSTS Spring 2019 global semiconductor sales forecast, which projects the industry’s worldwide sales will be $412.1 billion in 2019. This would mark a 12.1% decrease from the 2018 sales total of $468.8, which was the industry’s highest-ever annual total. WSTS projects year-to-year decreases across all regional markets for 2019: Europe (-3.1%), Asia Pacific (including China) (-9.6%), Japan (-9.7%), and the Americas (-23.6%). In 2020, the global market is projected to bounce back somewhat, posting moderate growth of 5.4%. WSTS tabulates its semi-annual industry forecast by convening an extensive group of global semiconductor companies that provide accurate and timely indicators of semiconductor trends.

For comprehensive monthly semiconductor sales data and detailed WSTS Forecasts, consider purchasing the WSTS Subscription Package. For information about the global semiconductor industry and market, check out SIA’s free 2019 Factbook.

About SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the semiconductor industry, one of America’s top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. Semiconductors—the tiny chips that enable modern technologies—power incredible products and services that have transformed our lives and our economy. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million workers in the United States, and U.S. semiconductor company sales totaled $209 billion in 2018. SIA members account for nearly 95% of all U.S. semiconductor industry sales. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration, and key industry stakeholders around the world to encourage policies 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.