SAN JOSE – Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment billings reached $7.83 billion in the second quarter, down 26% sequentially and 29% year-over-year, SEMI reported. 
 
Worldwide semiconductor equipment bookings were $6.99 billion, down 30% compared to a year ago, and 13% compared to the first quarter, SEMI said.
 
“Spending for new semiconductor equipment is down considerably, as anticipated,” said Dan Tracy, senior director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. “Overall 2008 spending will approach 2005 levels, with a recovery expected for next year.”
 
The data were gathered in cooperation with the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan from more than 150 global equipment companies that provide data monthly.