May 2, 2002–San Jose, CA–Worldwide sales of semiconductors jumped to $10.75 billion for the month of March, which marks a whopping 7.2 percent increase above the $10.03 billion in sales logged during February. The hike is considered the highest monthly sequential increase since April 1986, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA.)

"The March quarter sales are another sign that the industry is rebuilding from 2001, with growth in all major geographic regions except Japan, which was flat. The sales increase was dominated by a record 82.4% sales rise in the DRAM market, with essentially flat sales in other product areas as forecasted. The DRAM sales are a result of increased demand and price increases from the depressed levels of 2001" notes George Scalise, president SIA.

On a month-to-month basis, the Asia Pacific market led the sales increase with a 10.4% rise over February. Meanwhile, sales in Europe and Japan saw increases of 7.7% and 5.7%, respectively. Sales in the America’s increased 3.6% over last month. The SIA sales report is a three-month moving average.

For the 1Q2002 sales increased 5.6 percent to $32.25 billion. The SIA sees the increase as a result in the reduction of inventory supplies. For the second quarter of the year the SIA expects continued single digit sales growth, "followed by stronger growth rates in the second half of the year. As expected, the semiconductor industry should close out 2002 with modest but sustained overall growth."