Upturn goes on - European Semiconductor Market in November 2003

The November WSTS data continue the positive trend since mid 2003 heading for a good growth in 2004. The demand for semiconductors was strong in most product areas, except Microprocessors showing some weakness. Driving electronic applications fueling the growth were especially automotive and wireless communications.This ongoing trend provides a solid base and confidence for the upturn of the semiconductor industry and for the market forecast of 2004.Please note: Since September 2003 the data contain now micromechanical actuators in addition to sensors. This new product category has entered a significant volume already and adds an additional 1,2% year to date growth in comparison with last year. European Semiconductor sales in November 2003 amounted to US$ 3.160 billion according to WSTS, up +6.4% versus previous month. This corresponds to a +21.2% increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date, semiconductor sales increased by +16.4% versus the same period last year.The exchange rate of the Euro compared to the US$ has a very significant and still increasing impact on the growth data at this time. Measured in Euro, semiconductor sales in November were EURO 2.7417 billion, an increase of +4.7% versus previous month and an increase of +3.8% versus the same month a year ago. On a year-to-date basis, semiconductor sales decreased by -2.7% versus the same period last year.On a Worldwide basis, semiconductor sales in November were US$ 16.128 billion, up +4.5% versus previous month. This results to an increase of +25.7% versus the same month in 2002 and on a year-to-date basis to a growth of +17.4%.