Global semiconductor sales in the month of January topped $24 billion, according to trade group Semiconductor Industry Association, which represents a 3.8 percent increase over January 2012. However, growth declined by 2.8 percent compared to December 2012.
"Led by continuing strength in the Americas, the global semiconductor industry has built on its momentum from the end of 2012 with an encouraging start to 2013, but ongoing economic uncertainty is holding back more robust growth," said Brian Toohey, president and CEO of the SIA.
"The across-the-board spending cuts that hit last week and the threat of a government shutdown later this month are just the latest examples of fiscal disruptions that sidetrack economic growth,” said Toohey. “Congress and the Administration must work together to get our country's fiscal house in order to restore confidence in the U.S. economy and spur growth."
Regionally, year-over-year sales increased in the Americas (10.5 percent) and Asia Pacific (7.8 percent), but decreased in Europe (-4.9 percent) and Japan (-12.3 percent). Sales increased modestly in Europe (0.4 percent) compared to the previous month, but decreased in Asia Pacific (-2.5 percent), the Americas (-3.5 percent) and Japan (-5.5 percent). January sales historically are lower than December sales due to seasonal trends.
