Date: 24/05/2010

North American semiconductor equipment on the path of solid recovery

SEMI has reported North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.44 billion in orders in April 2010 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.13.

The three-month average of worldwide bookings in April 2010 was $1.44 billion. The bookings figure is up 8.1 percent from the final March 2010 level of $1.33 billion, and is 478.7 percent above the $249.0 million in orders posted in April 2009.

The three-month average of worldwide billings in April 2010 was $1.28 billion. The billings figure is up 16.2 percent from the final March 2010 level of $1.10 billion, and is 231.7 percent above the April 2009 billings level of $385.7 million.

"The continuing rise in bookings and billings confirms the solid recovery in investments planned for 2010," said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. "In contrast to last year's conditions, the change in the market is quite remarkable and an encouraging sign for the industry."