Semiconductor and computer shipments rose in Q1

Chip and PC sales increased in recent months compared to last year, semiconductor and computer industry analysts have reported.

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), global chip sales in May were US$21.8 billion, up 2.8 per cent from April and 7.5 per cent from May 2007.

Sales increased despite continued anticipation of slower demand in the US and Europe. SIA President George Scalise said, "Growing sales of consumer electronic products in emerging markets, including China, Latin America, and India, have become a major factor driving semiconductor sales."

According to SIA, the US now accounts for just 21 per cent of PC volume and just 13 per cent of mobile phone volume, compared with 31 per cent of PCs and 21 per cent of mobile phones just five years ago.

Isuppli reported that global first quarter PC shipments increased following normal seasonal patterns, up by double digits from the first quarter of 2007.

PC sales rose 12.1 per cent to 69.9 million units worldwide from 62.4 million units a year ago. PC shipments in the first quarter have risen 12 per cent from the prior year in each of the last five years, with the first quarter of 2008 continuing the trend despite US weakness.

"The first quarter of 2008 was better than hoped for, due to continued strong demand growth for mobile PCs," said Matthew Wilkins, a principal analyst at Isuppli.

Part of the recent shift to mobile PCs could be due to increased demand in emerging markets, where consumers might be attracted to compact computers that are adequate for their needs.

HP, Dell and Acer kept their top three ranks as global sellers of PCs, according to Isuppli. µ

L'Inqs Fabtech

Isuppli

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