Steady and Modest Growth Mark May 2011 Sales for Semiconductor Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C.—July 5, 2011—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors were $25 billion for the month of May 2011, a 1.8 percent increase from the prior month when sales were $24.6 billion and a 1.3 percent growth from May 2010. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

"Taking into consideration macroeconomic factors impacting consumer confidence, the steady but modest growth that the industry demonstrated in May is encouraging,” said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Global demand for high-end electronics, the continuing proliferation of semiconductor technology into a wider range of products, growth in emerging economies and better than expected recovery from the Japan earthquake will be continued drivers of industry growth in 2011."

The industry continues to see demand for tablets and e-readers grow, as well as increased demand for industrial processors that enable devices to harness renewable energy like solar panels and e-meters. Additionally, the industry has seen strong demand for electronic systems included across all ranges of vehicles.

Economic uncertainty both in the U.S. and abroad bears close watching, while further opportunities for semiconductor sales growth will be concentrated in emerging markets like China and India. Year-to-date results are in line with projections recently reported in the Spring Semiconductor Sales Forecast from WSTS that indicate global industry sales will increase 5.4 percent for 2011, 7.6 percent in 2012 and 5.4 percent in 2013, with a 3-year compound annual growth rate of 6.13 percent from 2010 to 2013.

To learn more about SIA visit, www.sia-online.org.

Click here to view the May 2011 chart and graph.

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association, SIA, is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, America's number-one export industry over the last five years and a bellwether measurement of the U.S. economy. Semiconductor innovations form the foundation for America's $1.1 trillion dollar technology industry affecting a U.S. workforce of nearly 6 million. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites over 60 companies that account for 80 percent of the semiconductor production of this country. Through this coalition SIA seeks to strengthen US leadership of semiconductor design and manufacturing by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry groups. The SIA works to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition in order to maintain a thriving semiconductor industry in the United States. Learn more at www.sia-online.org