2012 a dismal year for the semiconductor industry, says IHS
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Despite stronger than expected growth during the fourth quarter, IHS has described 2012 as a miserable year for the semiconductor market and suppliers, with only eight out of the top 25 chipmakers managing to eke out revenue growth.
Global semiconductor revenue declined in 2012 by 2.2% from 2011, with the only modest improvement coming from the fourth quarter, which saw a 2.8% expansion.
"The last three months were the only quarter in 2012 that generated a year over year increase in semiconductor market revenue, but that growth was too little and too late to salvage a terrible year for chipmakers," said Dale Ford, senior director at IHS.
"Even so, the stronger performance in the fourth quarter represents a positive signal for the semiconductor market, marking the beginning of a new growth cycle in the industry that will be sustained though 2013"
IHS expects global semiconductor revenue to rise by 5.6% in 2013, bringing an end to the slump of 2012.
It also predicts growth in the smartphone and tablet market to drive opportunities for logic asics, cmos image sensors and sensors.
