The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reports that first-quarter chip sales were up 0.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
March was a particularly good month for chipmakers, with sales going up 1.1 percent sequentially and 0.9 percent year-on-year. However, it was not all good news. Sales in Japan plummeted 18 percent in March (YoY), while the Americas saw a 1.5 percent drop. Europe was up 0.7 percent, while the Asia Pacific region again bucked the trend and grew 6.9 percent. Total sales for March amounted to $24.28 billion.
“Through the first quarter of 2013, the global semiconductor industry has seen modest but consistent growth compared to last year,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Sales have increased across most end product categories, with memory showing the strongest growth. With recent indications that companies could be set to replenish inventories, we are hopeful that growth will continue in the months ahead.”
Demand remains weak and the market is volatile to say the least. The PC market is under performing, while the tablet and smartphone markets are slowly turning to cheaper gear for emerging markets, with lower margins.
