Global semi sales rise, driven by memory boom

Market growth, says the researcher, is being driven by the dram and NAND flash markets, which are expected to grow by 35% and 27.7% respectively. "Memory chips are coming to the rescue of the semiconductor business in 2013," said Dale Ford, IHS' head of electronics and semiconductor research. "Solid pricing and expanding demand for dram and NAND in smartphones and tablets have caused revenue for these memory devices to surge. Without these two high performing product segments, the semiconductor industry would attain zero growth this year." Micron Technology, which is riding the boom in the dram and NAND markets, is predicted to more than double its revenues in 2013 to $14.2bn, aided by its acquisition of Elpida Memory. Also benefitting from the memory boom is SK Hynix, whose revenue is predicted to grow by 48.7%, making it the fifth largest semiconductor company. IHS says the company's performance is 'all the more outstanding' since it has come from organic sales growth and from acquisitions. Intel will remain the largest semiconductor supplier, with a 14.8% market share and revenues of $46.96bn. Between them, the top 20 suppliers are expected to hold 67% of the market.