The book-to-bill index fell to 0.79 for April, compared to a revised 0.82 figure for March, based on data released by the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) trade group here. SEMI's index shows that for every $100 worth of products being shipped to chip makers, equipment suppliers were only getting $79 of new orders.
jg --
Isn't a big part of the drop due to lower prices? Is there any way to compare actual units rather than dollars?
From The Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA):
nikkeibp.asiabiztech.com
<<<
With regard to the forecast of PC domestic shipments in fiscal 1998, JEIDA estimates the volume will be 7.2 million, up 5 percent from fiscal 1997, and the value will be 1,690 billion yen (US$12.6 billion), up 2 percent from fiscal 1997. JEIDA forecasts the number of notebook shipments will be 14 percent higher than in fiscal 1997.
JEIDA made a favorable forecast because the economy and consumer spending are expected to recover under economic stimulus measures, and companies should increase investment on IT-related projects to cope with the millennium problem and financial "big bang" in Japan.
Tetsuya Mizoguchi, vice president of Toshiba Corp. and chairman of JEIDA's personal computer promotion committee, said, "There are no negative factors for fiscal 1998. If the economic situation, which was the largest factor to suppress purchases of PCs in fiscal 1997, is improved, the PC market in fiscal 1998 will expand." >>>> |
