SIA Announces Chip Industry Sales Reach $10.75 Billion in March 2002; First Quarter Sales Up 5.6% to $32.25 Billion Driven by DRAM Demand
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2002--Worldwide sales of
semiconductors totaled $10.75 billion in March, a 7.2% increase from
the $10.03 billion level reached in February, and the highest monthly
sequential increase since April 1986 reported the SIA.
"Led by strong DRAM sales, this is a record rise in first quarter
growth for the semiconductor industry," stated SIA president, George
Scalise. "The March quarter sales are another sign that the industry
is rebuilding from 2001, with growth in all major geographic regions
except Japan, which was flat. The sales increase was dominated by a
record 82.4% sales rise in the DRAM market, with essentially flat
sales in other product areas as forecasted. The DRAM sales are a
result of increased demand and price increases from the depressed
levels of 2001."
"Quarterly growth of 5.6% indicates that inventory build-up has
been worked through and product demand is now beginning to pick up.
The outlook for the second quarter is for single digit sales growth
followed by stronger growth rates in the second half of the year. As
expected, the semiconductor industry should close out 2002 with modest
but sustained overall growth."
On a month-to-month basis, the Asia Pacific market led the sales
increase with a 10.4% rise over February, while Europe and Japan grew
7.7% and 5.7%, respectively. Sales in the America's grew a steady 3.6%
over last month. During March, growth occurred uniformly across most
product sectors.
The SIA's Global Sales Report (GSR) is a three-month moving
average of sales activity. The GSR is tabulated by the World
Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization, which represents
approximately 66 companies. The moving average is a mathematical
smoothing technique that mitigates variations due to companies'
monthly financial calendars.
About the SIA
The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and
has represented U.S.-based manufacturers since 1977. SIA member
companies comprise approximately 90% of U.S.-based semiconductor
production. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic
workforce of 284,000 people. More information about the SIA can be
found at www.sia-online.org.
March 2002
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