WASHINGTON — Worldwide sales of semiconductors fell 6.2% year-over-year in February, the industry trade group Semiconductor Industry Association said.

STAMFORD, CT – Global smartphone sales will for the first time exhibit single-digit growth in 2016, says Gartner. Global smartphone sales are estimated to reach 1.5 billion units, up 7% year-over-year. The total mobile phone market is forecast to reach 1.9 billion units in 2016.

PORTLAND, OR – Organizers of this year's Medical Electronics Symposium seek abstracts on the latest equipment and related manufacturing techniques for the annual event.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American printed circuit board sales rebounded in February, outpacing orders and reducing the book-to-bill ratio to 1.02, says IPC.

SUWANEE, GA – Asys's American subsidiary has moved its domestic headquarters, but customers won't have a hard time finding the new site: it's one door down from the previous location.

CHICAGO – Hirose has relocated its North American headquarters from the Simi Valley to a Chicago suburb.

OYSTER BAY, NY -- Tablet shipment volumes are tumbling, and could fall by nearly one-third in the next five years.

TAIPEI -- After months of speculation and at least one unraveled deal, Foxconn will acquire a 66% share of Sharp for 389 billion yen ($3.4 billion), the companies said today.

LAS VEGAS -- Work on the latest revision to the industry standard for soldered electrical and electronic assemblies has begun, with the task group focused on vertical solder fill for Class 2 product and BGA voiding, among other topics.

HANOI -- Samsung Electronics will invest $300 million in a new research and development project here in exchange for free rent.

TAIPEI -- Foxconn will hold a scheduled board meeting this week as its deal to acquire Sharp continues to twist and turn in the financial wind.

ELK GROVE, CA -- A California-based EMS company is planning a second facility here, enticed by local incentives and industry trends toward onshoring.