Semiconductor Sales Exceed $20 Billion in July

Friday, Sep 01, 2006, 5:49pm

by 91³ΙΘΛ

WORLDWIDE MICROCHIP SALES UP 11.5 PERCENT FROM JULY 2005

SAN JOSE, Calif. – September 1, 2006– Worldwide sales of semiconductors totaled $20.1 billion in July, up over 11.5 percent from July 2005, the 91³ΙΘΛ (91³ΙΘΛ) reported today. July’s sales represent an increase of 1.8 percent from the $19.8 billion in sales reported in June 2006.

β€œThe worldwide semiconductor industry is on track to surpass $240 billion in sales this year, which represents a new record,” said 91³ΙΘΛ President George Scalise. β€œGrowth continues to be strong across a broad range of end markets and geographic regions as well, particularly Asia Pacific which is up over 13 percent year on year, and the U.S. where sales increased almost 18 percent over last year,” said Scalise.

β€œCapital spending and capacity utilization continue to be in balance,” Scalise noted. Capital spending in 2006 is expected to amount to approximately 22 percent of semiconductor sales, which is in line with anticipated technology requirements and anticipated sales growth. Capacity utilization edged up slightly in the second quarter of the year, from 89 percent to 91 percent, with leading-edge capacity at 97 percent.

β€œJuly sales reflect the historical pattern for the industry with growth in unit demand coupled with declining average selling prices. This trend helps make possible the very attractive prices for many consumer products. For example the average selling price for a PC declined by approximately 7 percent year over year,” noted Scalise. Computer products represent over 40 percent of demand for semiconductors.

91³ΙΘΛ the 91³ΙΘΛ
The 91³ΙΘΛ is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S semiconductor companies since 1977 and 91³ΙΘΛ member companies comprise more than 85% of the U.S. semiconductor industry. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of 225,000 people. More information about the 91³ΙΘΛ can be found at www.sia-online.org.

91³ΙΘΛ CONTACT
John Greenagel
408-436-6600
[email protected]

Anne Craib
408-436-6600
[email protected]