Memory Chips Spur Feb. Semi Sales
WASHINGTON, DC — The 90-day moving average worldwide sales of semiconductors in February rose 1.4% from last year on higher demand for memory devices.
Global sales fell 3.8% sequentially to $23.25 billion in February, reflecting seasonal trends, the Semiconductor Industry Association announced.
Year-to-date sales through February are up 2% from last year.
“Despite persistent economic uncertainty, the global semiconductor industry is off to a promising start in 2013 – led by strength in memory sales – and is ahead of last year’s pace,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO of SIA.
Toohey also called on the US government to change the nation's visa and tax systems in order to encourage greater growth.
“To help spur stronger growth, Congress and the Administration should invest in basic research to boost American innovation, reform the high-skilled immigration system to welcome the top scientific minds from around the world, and modify the tax system so businesses can expand, invest and hire new workers,” he said.
Regionally, year-over-year sales increased in Asia Pacific (6.7%) and the Americas (1.6%) and decreased in Europe (-1.5%) and Japan (-15.7%). Sales increased in Europe (1.4%) compared to the previous month, but decreased in Asia Pacific (-3.6%), Japan (-5%) and the Americas (-6.2%).
