San Jose, California–Oct. 24, 2000–North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted orders of $2.8 billion in September 2000, reports Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.16–indicating an expanding market.

The 3-month average of worldwide bookings in September 2000 was $2.83 billion. This figure is 5% below the August 2000, yet is 88% above the $1.51 billion in orders posted in September 1999, SEMI reports.

“While September saw the first sequential decline in orders since September of last year, it more likely reflects a seasonal slowing in new order growth rather than a significant change in the current cycle,” says Elizabeth Schumann, director of industry research and statistics for SEMI. “With the equivalent of 50 new fabs capable of processing 25,000 200mm wafers per month expected to come online around the world in 2001 and another 35 such fabs slated for 2002, we do not expect this pause in growth to signal the end of the cycle.”

The 3-month average of worldwide shipments in September 2000 was $2.44 billion. This figure is similar to the August 2000 level, according to SEMI, but is 73% above the September 1999 shipments level of $1.41 billion.