Global Semiconductor Sales Rise In May

Worldwide sales of semiconductors rose to $17.32 billion in May, an increase of 2.1% from April and a 36.9% rise from May 2003, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SAI). May traditionally is one of the stronger months for semiconductor sales, the San Jose, Calif.-based organization says. "At $17.32 billion, global semiconductor sales reached their highest level since December of 2000, reflecting continued healthy economic growth, especially in the United States and China," says SIA President George Scalise. Overall factory utilization rose from 92% in the fourth quarter of 2003 to 94% in the first quarter of 2004, according to the semiconductor group.