2016 semiconductor capex highest in 5 years

2016 semiconductor capex highest in 5 years
by Bill Jewell on 10-25-2016 at 4:00 pm

Global semiconductor capital expenditures (capex) are expected to return to the level of 2011 either this year or next. 2011 was the record year for capex as the industry returned to growth following the 2009-2010 recession. IC Insights’ August 2016 forecast called for 3.5% growth in capital spending to reach $67.1 billion, the… Read More


Brexit impact on semiconductors

Brexit impact on semiconductors
by Bill Jewell on 07-24-2016 at 10:00 am

On July 1, Daniel Nenni posted his thoughts on the impact of Brexit (the vote by the UK to leave the European Union) on semiconductors. In general I agree with his points. Below is my take on the issue.

The long term impact of Brexit is uncertain. The UK will likely negotiate a trade agreement with the EU which includes free trade between… Read More


2015 semiconductor market flat, 2016 looking somewhat better

2015 semiconductor market flat, 2016 looking somewhat better
by Bill Jewell on 02-27-2016 at 7:00 am

The 2015 semiconductor market finished with a 0.2% decline from 2014, according to World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS). Optimists will round this to flat with 2014. The flat 2015 follows healthy 9.9% growth in 2014. Going into 2015, forecasts were in the range of 3% to 11%. We at Semiconductor Intelligence were at the high… Read More


Preview of International CES 2016

Preview of International CES 2016
by Bill Jewell on 01-05-2016 at 4:00 am

Monday, January 4, 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada
Today I attended CES Unveiled, which offers a sneak peak at some of the new products being introduced at International CES 2016. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been hyped as a key driver of electronics market growth over the next few years. There were plenty of examples at CES Unveiled.
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Vietnam: Rising Star in Electronics

Vietnam: Rising Star in Electronics
by Bill Jewell on 02-25-2015 at 1:00 pm

I recently returned from a trip to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. The trip was for pleasure, not business, but I could not help but notice the boom in economic activity. The coastal cities of Hai Phong, Da Nang and NHA Trang were trying to outdo each other in building hotels, bridges and amusement parks – largely to cater to foreign… Read More


International CES: Day Two

International CES: Day Two
by Bill Jewell on 01-06-2014 at 8:00 pm

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Monday, January 6, 2014.Press conference day at International CES, starting with LG at 8 am and finishing with Sony at 5 pm. Some of the most interesting presentations (I will not overuse the word “cool” today) were:

Izon, LLC introduced a glasses-free 3D TV. They demonstrated on a 24 inch screen playing the latest … Read More


International CES: Day One

International CES: Day One
by Bill Jewell on 01-05-2014 at 10:00 pm

Semiconductor Intelligence will be attending the International CES this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) puts on the show each year. The CEA insists the meeting be called “International CES” and states “CES” no longer stands for Consumer Electronics Show. The… Read More


Recovery in 2013 Semiconductor Capex

Recovery in 2013 Semiconductor Capex
by Bill Jewell on 04-29-2013 at 11:00 pm

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment has been on an upswing for the last few months. Combined data from Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) and Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ) shows three-month-average bookings have increased for five consecutive months through March 2013.… Read More


2012 semiconductor market decline likely

2012 semiconductor market decline likely
by Bill Jewell on 08-16-2012 at 9:00 pm

The worldwide semiconductor market in 2Q 2012 was $73.1 billion, according to WSTS data released by the SIA. 2Q 2012 was up 4.7% from 1Q 2012 but down 2.0% from 2Q 2011. Major semiconductor companies are generally expecting slower revenue growth in 3Q 2012 versus 2Q 2012. The table below shows revenue estimates for calendar 3Q 2012… Read More


IC capacity utilization declined in 3Q 2011

IC capacity utilization declined in 3Q 2011
by Bill Jewell on 12-14-2011 at 11:54 pm

SICAS (Semiconductor Industry Capacity Statistics) has released its 3Q 2011 data, available through the SIA at: SICAS data . Beginning with 2Q 2011 the SICAS membership list no longer includes the Taiwanese companies Nanya Technology, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC) or United Microelectronics Corporation… Read More