The SIA (Semiconductor Industry Association) this week offered further proof that the economic situation is improving for the semiconductor industry.

The industry group reported that worldwide sales of semiconductors in Q3 were $61.9 billion, an increase of 19.7% from the prior quarter when sales were $51.7 billion. Year-over-year, the picture was not as rosy. The September quarter sales were 10.1% lower than the $68.9 billion reported for the like period of 2008. Still, SIA President George Scalise remained optimistic, making note of September 2009 sales of $20.1 billion, an increase of 8.2% from August when sales were $19.1 billion.

“Global semiconductor sales in the third quarter were above expectations,” said Scalise in a statement. “September sales were in line with historical patterns, reflecting increased demand from end-users as they began the build for the holiday season. Unit sales of personal computers and cell phones – the two largest demand drivers for semiconductors – continue to run ahead of earlier forecasts. Meanwhile, demand for semiconductors for industrial applications – a sector that had declined sharply – showed initial signs of recovery. Sales increased in all geographic regions.

“Amid signs that we are in the early stages of recovery in the global economy, semiconductor sales continue to reflect normal seasonal patterns. Sales are running well ahead of the worst-case scenarios projected early in the year, and we are optimistic that total sales for 2009 will be better than our mid-year forecast,” Scalise concluded.

The SIA has been optimistic for the last few months. According to its data, the September sales show the seventh straight month of sequential worldwide sales gains for semiconductors. Recently, August showed a 5% sales gain on July. The SIA has noted increased consumer spending and various government incentives among the reasons for bolstered semiconductor demand since sales began to show growth in March.

By: DocMemory
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