According to an announcement made this month by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), worldwide chip sales for June 2014 established the highest monthly sales record for the industry. More specifically, sales reached $82.7 billion during the second quarter. This represents a 10.8% increase from the second quarter of 2013. In the first half of 2014, sales were 11.1% higher than they were at this time in 2013 (a record year for chip sales) with the Americas region leading the way. Given positive economic indicators (e.g., sound U.S. GDP growth) along with the fact that sales surpassed the numbers set in 2013 and the latest World Semiconductor Trade Statistics sales forecast, the semiconductor industry is likely to experience continued growth for many months ahead.
In an interview with EE Times, SIA’s CEO, Brian Toohey, shared that sales were very positive across almost all semiconductor product categories with memory products being one of the strongest sectors. Personal computers (PCs) and mobile devices continue to be the two largest semiconductor end use markets. He further explained that PCs remain the largest end product for semiconductors but demand for smartphones and tablets continues to grow. Although these product categories will remain important drivers of market increases, expanding markets such as the Internet of Things, big data and medical technology will help to sustain the strength of the semiconductor industry. For more information see, SIA and EE Times.
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Ryan Lahti is the founder and managing principal of OrgLeader, LLC. Stay up to date on Ryan’s STEM-based organization tweets here: @ryanlahti