PHOENIX -- Usually strong sequential growth in chip sales during the first quarter of 2002 is providing new evidence that this year's recovery in chip sales could be a much stronger than most other industry forecasts are predicting, said Semico Research Corp.
The Phoenix-based market research firm reiterated what many considered a "contrarian" forecast last fall when Semico predicted that chip sales would bounce back from the severe 2001 recession with nearly 20% growth in 2002 (see Dec. 12 story).
After new data on March sales and the first quarter were released by the Semiconductor Industry Association on Thursday, showing the strongest sequential growth since 1986. Worldwide chip sales grew 7.2% to $10.75 billion in March from $10.03 billion in February, said the SIA (see May 2 story).
Semico Research said its forecast remains at 17% growth in chip sales this year. Other forecasts have set growth in the single-digit percentage increase range, but they are likely to be revised upwards based on what appears to be growing momentum in some chip markets.
The first quarter of a calendar year is typically weak compared to the final three months of the prior year, noted Semico. But, this week's SIA data showed Q1 of 2002 sales increased 5.6% from the fourth quarter, said the research firm. Semico said since 1989 only one other year exceeded 5.6% growth and that was in 1995, when the first quarter was up 8.8% from Q4 of 1994.
"How did growth end up for 1995? It turned out to be one of the strongest years on record for the semiconductor industry with 41% growth. So 2002 may yet play out, according to Semico's forecast," said the research firm.
RSS
Digital
10 emerging technologies to watch:
EE Times has compiled a list of emerging technologies that we think will be worth watching out for in 2010. Biofeedback or thought-control of electronics are among the contenders.
Hot applications in 2010:
We've compiled a list of 10 technology applications you should watch for in 2010, ranging from e-book readers to 3-D TVs. We examine the features that make these apps so compelling as well unresolved issues.
Top 25 predictions for semis in 2010:
2010 is just beginning to unfold in the electronics industry. Looking into our crystal ball, we have released our own chip forecasts--and other predictions--for 2010.
Seven things to fix in 2010:
The editors of EE Times came up with their own informal list of things we hope engineers fix in 2010, spanning everything from nano-lithography to space travel. What do you want to see get done this year?
'09 moves that are shaping the future:
This was a brutal year, but the industry gets a nod for showing grace under fire. Here's our Top 10 guide to the coming year, illustrating what to expect in 2010.
10 CEOs out in 2009:
It's been a tough year for the global electronics industry and CEOs. We survey the dismissal of 10 industry CEOs during the first three quarters of 2009 and what's ahead for the rest of the year.
Notable women in microelectronics:
There is no better time than a global economic recession to examine the keys to successful corporate governance. So, EE Times has compiled an international list that celebrates women who are business and technology leaders in semis.
EE Times updates Silicon 60:
Seventeen companies have been added to the lastest version of our Silicon 60 list of emerging startups. Forty-three companies survived as emerging companies that are still worth watching.
RSS| 
Digital| 
Mobile
