Global semiconductor sales up 1.3% in May

SIA president Brian Toohey says sales were also up 1.8% sequentially, due largely to booming demand for tablets and e-readers, as well as industrial processors such as solar panels and e-meters. The automotive market was also accredited as a boon for chip makers. "Taking into consideration macroeconomic factors impacting consumer confidence, the steady but modest growth that the industry demonstrated in May is encouraging," said Brian Toohey, president, SIA. "Global demand for high end electronics, the continuing proliferation of semiconductor technology into a wider range of products, growth in emerging economies and better than expected recovery from the Japan earthquake will be continued drivers of industry growth in 2011." According to the SIA, year to date results are in line with projections recently reported in the Spring Semiconductor Sales Forecast from WSTS that indicate global industry sales will increase 5.4% in 2011, 7.6% in 2012 and 5.4% in 2013, with a three year compound annual growth rate of 6.13% from 2010 to 2013.