U.S. chip exports up

Worldwide sales of semiconductors were $26.5 billion in September, a gain of 2.9 percent from the prior month when sales were $25.8 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported.

Sales for the third quarter of 2010 amounted to $79.4 billion, a 6.1 percent increase from the previous quarter when sales were $74.8 billion. Third quarter sales were 26.2 percent higher than the $62.9 billion for the like period in 2009. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

“Semiconductor sales have grown steadily in all regions through the third quarter of 2010, with strong demand in consumer and industrial electronic products,” said SIA president Brian Toohey.  “Inventory for the industry continues to be generally in balance with demand,” Toohey continued.

“We could see moderation in the growth rate through the end of the year as demand for consumer electronic products such as personal computers, flat panel televisions, and mobile devices are potentially impacted by continuing economic uncertainty,” Toohey concluded.

In an interview with LM, Jock O’Connell, Beacon Economics’ International Trade Adviser, noted that high-tech exports are a particular bright spot for California shippers.

“In an otherwise gloomy economy, this sector seems to be performing well,” he said. “That is particularly good news for the air cargo sector as well.”