Worldwide Semiconductor Sales Continue to Drop

The Semiconductor Industry Association reported today that worldwide sales of semiconductors fell 4.5% to $14.40 billion in March 2001 from $15.07 billion a year ago and 7.0 percent from the $15.48 billion reported last month. Compared to March 2000, European market sales were lower by 0.7% this March, the Americas market sales were down 10.6%, and Asia Pacific sales were down 10.4%. On a positive note, Japan's market sales grew 7% from last March. Historically, despite cyclical fluctuations, the semiconductor industry has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 17% over the past 40 years.