Global semiconductor sales off to sluggish start in 2016

Washington, DC. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) yesterday announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $26.9 billion for the month of January 2016, 2.7% lower than the previous month’s total of $27.6 billion and 5.8% down from the January 2015 total of $28.5 billion. Sales into the Americas were particularly sluggish, decreasing 5.9% month-to-month and 16.9% year-to-year. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.

“Global semiconductor sales decreased in January across most regional markets and product categories, largely due to softening demand and lingering macroeconomic headwinds,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Despite these challenges, modest market growth is projected for 2016, following essentially flat sales last year.”

Regionally, sales decreased in most regions: China (-0.4% month-to-month/+4.3% year-to-year), Europe (-1.7%/-7.7%), Japan (-3.3%/-5.1%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-2.8%/-6.5%), and the Americas (-5.9%/-16.9%).

Sales also decreased across most major semiconductor product categories, with the notable exception of microprocessors, which increased year-to-year by 2.1%.

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World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent nonprofit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.