The Semiconductor Industry Association said worldwide sales of semiconductors totaled $24.7 billion for June, a 1.5% decrease from May and a 0.5% decrease from a year ago. Sales in the second quarter were down 2% from the previous quarter.
“Despite this month’s modest contraction in sales, the industry saw a 3.7% increase in the first half of 2011 sales compared to the same period last year which saw record breaking growth,” said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Overall semiconductor sales are on track with growth projections of 5.4% growth for 2011.”
Smartphone demand and the subsequent increased investment in IT infrastructure as well as gains in the corporate PC refresh cycle and growth in China were offset by slower consumer demand in June sales. all regions experienced growth compared to last year, except in Japan, which continues to recover from the natural disaster that occurred there earlier this year.
“The semiconductor industry should be encouraged by the U.S. Administration’s announcement on Friday of increased fuel economy standards and the effort to include more green and smart technology in vehicles. These standards will present additional opportunities for growth in the semiconductor industry, and while the implementation is years away, it is an indicator of the increasing demand for smart technology and the innovations enabled by semiconductor technology,” continued Toohey.