Semiconductor sales up – and down
Although worldwide sales of semiconductors grew to $121billion in the first half of 2007 – an increase of 2% over the first half of 2006 – second quarter 2007 sales dropped by 2% from the $61.1bn reported in the first quarter. Meanwhile, June 2007 sales were 1.7% smaller than in May.
“Continuing rapid price attrition in several important market segments held growth in total semiconductor sales to just over 2% in the first half of 2007, despite increases in total unit shipments of almost 7%,” said SIA president George Scalise, pictured. “End unit demand in major industry drivers, including personal computers and mobile phones, is growing in line with forecasts. Together, these two market sectors drive about 60 % of semiconductor demand.”
