Computer chip sales up in January: SIA

Worldwide semiconductor sales rose 47.2 percent in January over a year ago and were 0.3 percent higher than the previous month, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported Monday.

The association said worldwide semiconductor sales in January reached 22.5 billion dollars, up from 15.3 billion dollars in January 2009 and 22.4 billion dollars in December.

"Worldwide semiconductor sales in January increased significantly compared to one year ago, reflecting today's improving business environment for the industry," SIA president George Scalise said in a statement.

"January and February of 2009 were the low point of the industry downturn as the semiconductor industry and electronics manufacturers quickly responded to the global economic recession," Scalise said.

"We are currently seeing strength across a range of demand drivers for semiconductors, including personal computers, cellphones, automobiles, and industrial applications," he said.

Scalise said that if current trends continue "there is upside potential for 2010 growth above our November forecast of 242.1 billion dollars.

"But a growing global economy driven by consumer purchasing will be key to sustaining these trends," Scalise said.

Semiconductor sales fell 1.9 percent to 3.76 billion dollars in the Americas in January compared with the previous month and declined 0.3 percent in Europe to 2.93 billion dollars.

Chip sales fell 2.6 percent in Japan to 3.52 billion dollars in January but rose two percent in the rest of Asia Pacific to 12.28 billion dollars.

(c) 2010 AFP