KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): Global semiconductor sales are forecast to increase 3.3% year-on –year in 2020 to US$426 bilion from US$412.3 billion a year, according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS).

In a statement on its website on July 3, the U.S.-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) which cited WSTS, also said worldwide sales of semiconductors were US$35.0 billion in May 2020, an increase of 5.8% from the May 2019 total of US$33.0 billion and 1.5% more than the April 2020 total of US$34.4 billion.

Monthly sales are compiled by WSTS and represent a three-month moving average.

SIA president and CEO John Neuffer said the global semiconductor market in May remained largely resistant to the widespread economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still significant uncertainty for the months ahead.

“The latest industry forecast projects modest annual growth for 2020, followed by more substantial sales increases in 2021,” he said.

Regionally, sales increased slightly on a month-to-month basis in China (5.8%), Japan (2.8%), and the Americas (1.9%), but decreased in Asia Pacific/All Other (-1.7%) and Europe (-6.5%).

On a year-to-year basis, sales increased significantly in the Americas (25.5%) and more modestly in China (4.9%), Asia Pacific/All Other (2.5%), and Japan (1.5%), but decreased in Europe (-12.9%).

Looking ahead, WSTS projects year-to-year increases in the Americas (12.8%) and Asia Pacific (2.6%), while decreases are projected for sales into Europe (-4.1%) and Japan (-4.4%) in 2020.

In 2021, the global market is projected to post moderate growth of 6.2%.