Chip sales beat doomsayers' predictions

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 3 Nov 2009 at 11:56

The dismal predictions surrounding chip and computer sales this year have not materialised, according to fresh figures from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

“Sales are running well ahead of the worst-case scenarios projected early in the year, and we are optimistic that total sales for 2009 will be better than our mid-year forecast,” says SIA president George Scalise. “Global semiconductor sales in the third quarter were above expectations.”

Although sales are still down on last year, there has been no sign of the bloodbath predicted at the height of the recession, and worldwide demand is picking up as manufacturers start building machines for the Christmas rush.

“September sales were in line with historical patterns, reflecting an increased demand from end-users as they began the build for the Christmas period,” Scalise claims. “Amid signs that we are in the early stages of recovery in the global economy, semiconductor sales continue to reflect normal seasonal patterns.”

Worldwide sales of semiconductors in the quarter ended 30 September were US$61.9bn (£38bn), an increase of 19.7% from the prior quarter, but 10% lower than the $68.9 billion (£42.3bn) reported for the same period last year.