US Semiconductor Association: "Global Semiconductor Sales Down 3%... First Decline Since 2020"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in the United States announced last month that global semiconductor sales decreased by 3% compared to the same period last year, marking the first decline since 2020. The contraction in the semiconductor sector is raising concerns about economic impacts on major semiconductor-exporting countries, including South Korea.

According to Bloomberg News on the 30th (local time), the SIA reported that global semiconductor sales in September amounted to $47 billion (approximately 67.1 trillion KRW), a 3.0% decrease from $48.48 billion in the same period last year. This also represents a 0.5% decrease compared to $47.24 billion in August. Total sales for the third quarter were $141 billion, down 3.0% year-over-year and 6.3% quarter-over-quarter.

Bloomberg News pointed out that as semiconductor sales decline, the South Korean economy, a major semiconductor exporter, is also being affected. It noted that domestic semiconductor production in South Korea decreased by 3.5% year-over-year, a larger drop compared to -0.1% in August.

The weakening of the Korean won has increased trade deficits, and combined with factors such as China's 'Zero COVID' policy leading to reduced consumption, the Ukraine war, and US-China trade conflicts, the semiconductor market is experiencing negative impacts.

Earlier, Samsung Electronics announced a consolidated operating profit of 10.852 trillion KRW for the third quarter, a 31.39% decrease compared to the same period last year. Semiconductor demand is expected to remain subdued through the first half of next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.