To: kash johal who wrote (109324 ) 9/5/2000 2:51:24 PM From: Road Walker Respond to of 186894 Worldwide Semiconductor Sales Reach Record High of $17.32 Billion in July 2000 --Over 50% growth in year-to-year chip sales --semichips.org SAN JOSE, Calif. -- September 5, 2000 -- Worldwide sales of semiconductors reached an all-time record high of $17.3 billion in July 2000, increasing from $11.5 billion in July 1999, a 50% year-over -year growth in chip sales, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported today. "July's record-breaking numbers are a telling reminder that semiconductors play a critical role in many hot growth industries," said George Scalise, president of the SIA. "These sales reflect the fact that semiconductors are being used in ever more interesting, exciting and useful ways," he added. "Semiconductors are now being used in applications from optical networks to video games". Semiconductor sales were strong in all geographical regions due to growth in demand for Internet infrastructure and wireless communications. The Asia Pacific and Japan markets grew 57.3% and 52.0%, respectively from last year. The Americas market was up 46.1% from last year, and Europe's sales grew 46.5%. 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 represent some 70 companies. The three-month moving average is a mathematical smoothing technique that takes out variations due to company's monthly financial calendars. "Once we tally sales in the final four months of 2000, we are confident the industry will reach our forecast of 31% growth this year," commented Scalise. From its beginning in the 1950's, the semiconductor industry has been characterized by a four year cycle which has been sporadically modified by unexpected economic factors. The semiconductor industry has been led by a 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the past forty years. About the SIA The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented US- based manufacturers since 1977. SIA member companies comprise more than 90 percent of US- based semiconductor production. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of 284,000 people. More information about the SIA and charts reflecting the July numbers can be found at www.semichips.org.