San Jose, California–The North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $2.5 billion in orders in December 2000 and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.03, according to the December 2000 Express Report published today by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI).

“The North American semiconductor equipment industry shipped approximately $26 billion to worldwide markets in 2000, and posted its greatest growth year in history,” says Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. “As this capacity is absorbed, a pause in new investment is expected. The widely anticipated market softening is confirmed in the December Express Report, which shows a decline in equipment order and shipment rates for a second consecutive month. The general consensus of analysts at our recent industry forecasting symposium suggests that the slowing trend may persist through the first half of 2001.”

The three-month average of worldwide bookings in December 2000 was $2.5 billion. The bookings figure is 10% below the November 2000 level, but 29% above the $1.9 billion in orders posted in December 1999.

The three-month average of worldwide shipments in December 2000 was $2.4 billion. The shipments figure is 2.4% below the November 2000 level, but 49% above the December 1999 shipments level of $1.6 billion.