BTB:
From Solid State Technology Online:
<<<$2.8B September orders posted by semi equipment industry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor
equipment posted orders of $2.8 billion in September 2000,
according to a recent Semiconductor Equipment and Materials
International (SEMI) report, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.16--
indicating a slowing of the growth of the market.
The 3-month average of worldwide bookings in September 2000
was $2.83 billion. This figure is 5% below the August 2000, yet is
88% above the $1.51 billion in orders posted in September 1999,
SEMI reports.
"While September saw the first sequential decline in orders since
September of last year, it more likely reflects a seasonal slowing
in new order growth rather than a significant change in the
current cycle," says Elizabeth Schumann, director of industry
research and statistics for SEMI. "With the equivalent of 50 new
fabs capable of processing 25,000 200mm wafers per month
expected to come online around the world in 2001 and another
35 such fabs slated for 2002, we do not expect this pause in
growth to signal the end of the cycle."
The 3-month average of worldwide shipments in September
2000 was $2.44 billion. This figure is similar to the August 2000
level, according to SEMI, but is 73% above the September 1999
shipments level of $1.41 billion. >>> |
