Electronics Industry Update

-- Semiconductor International, 7/1/2000

Worldwide Sales of Semiconductor Devices	Production Trends & Forecasts of Computers
Production Trends & Forecasts of Electronic Components	Production Trends & Forecasts of Consumer Electronics

The total dollar value of worldwide semiconductor sales rose 27.6% between February and March, according to preliminary data released by the SIA. Between the same two months of 1999, dollar sales volume rose 22.6%. Chip sales this March had an estimated current dollar value 36.6% above March 1999 - the best over-the-year growth recorded in semiconductor sales since the final month of 1995.

Unit sales volume didn't increase quite as sharply as dollar volume over the latest month. March unit shipments rose 15.2% above February. Unit sales in March were 29.9% higher than in March 1999.

The dollar value of chip sales to the Americas in March was 30.1% above March 1999, a bit below the 36.6% average worldwide increase. Sales to Europe in March were 32.8% higher than in March 1999 - the best over-the-year growth since November 1995. Sales to Japan were 36.5% higher in March than in March 1999, and sales to the rest of the Asia/Pacific market were up 49.6% from March 1999. This was the best over-the-year gain recorded by the region since Fall 1995. .