Global chip sales reach $13 bn in August 2003: SIA

Worldwide sales of semiconductors increased 4.0% to $13.42 billion in August 2003, up from the $12.90 billion in revenue reported in July of 2003 - the sixth consecutive monthly increase. Year-over-year sales increased 12.5% from August 2002 revenue of $11.93 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported. 

“August sales confirm the broad-based strength of the semiconductor market, lead by demand in the consumer, computer and wireless sectors,” states SIA President George Scalise. “This rise in end-market demand is generating stronger third quarter sales than normal seasonal patterns.” 

In August, PC related products continued to be the strongest sector with microprocessors up 7.8% and DRAMs up 11.0% over July. Seasonal back-to-school PC buys and the early signs of a business upgrade cycle contributed to the boost in sales this month. 

The consumer sector, which includes DVD players and digital cameras, continued to strengthen with Consumer Application Specific Standard Products up 5.3% and Flash up 6.9% over last month. The inventory issues in the wireless sector in Asia have been resolved and demand is once again rising with digital signal processors (DSP) up 4.7% over July. 

In the month of August, sales in Japan rose 1.6%, APac was up 6.4%, Europe up 3.8 % and the Americas increased 2.5% over July. “With the exception of the peak year of 2000, this is the strongest monthly increase in August since 1990,” added

Scalise. 

The SIA´s Global Sales Report (GSR) is a three-month moving average of sales activity. The GSR is tabulated by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization, which represents approximately 66 companies. The moving average is a mathematical smoothing technique that mitigates variations due to companies´ monthly financial calendars. 

SAN JOSE