KUALA LUMPUR (July 10):  Global semiconductor industry sales fell 21.1% year-on-year in May 2023 to US$40.7 billion (RM189.43 billion) from US$51.7 billion a year earlier, according to the US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

In a statement last week (July 6), SIA however said the May sales were 1.7% higher month-on-month from US$40 billion in April 2023.

Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a three-month moving average.

SIA president and CEO John Neuffer said despite continuing market sluggishness compared to 2022, month-to-month global semiconductor sales inched upward in May for the third consecutive month, sparking optimism for a possible market rebound during the second half of the year.

SIA said that regionally, month-to-month sales increased modestly across all regions: China (3.9%), Europe (2.0%), Asia Pacific/All Other (1.3%), Japan (0.4%), and the Americas (0.1%).

Meanwhile, year-to-year sales were up in Europe (5.9%), but down in Japan (-5.5%), the Americas (-22.6%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-23.0%), and China (-29.5%).