TOKYO – Japan-based semiconductor equipment makers reported a book-to-bill ratio of 0.75 in September, dropping for the third consecutive month, says the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.

Japan-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment received $1.04 billion in orders during the month, down 4.5% sequentially. Orders fell 37.9% compared to September 2010.

Billings for September were $1.4 billion, down 3.2% sequentially and down 5% year-over-year, says the association.