Global Semiconductor Sales Up Slightly in May

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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 $26.0 billion for the month of May 2016, an increase of 0.4% compared to the previous month’s total of $25.9 billion, but a decrease of 7.7% compared to the May 2015 total of $28.1 billion. Month-to-month sales into all regional markets held relatively steady, with China leading the way with 3.1% market growth. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. 

“The small uptick in global semiconductor sales in May marked the market’s largest month-to-month growth in six months, but the overall landscape remains somewhat stagnant due to soft demand and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Most regional markets have struggled to gain traction in 2016, with the Americas falling well behind sales posted through the same point last year. Sales of analog products were a bright spot in May, notching both month-to-month and year-to-year increases.”

Regionally, month-to-month sales increased in China (3.1%), but slipped slightly in the Americas (-0.1%), Europe (-0.8%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-0.8%), and Japan (-1.8%). Year-to-year sales increased marginally in Japan (0.4%), but dropped in China (-0.5%), Europe (-8.8%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-11.5%), and the Americas (-15.0%).

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.