2Q09 IC market registers the 4th highest quarterly growth rate in the past 25 years

Mid-Year Update to The McClean Report describes how, after the worst two quarters in the history of the IC industry (4Q08 and 1Q09), 2Q09 rebounded (+16%) and signaled that the "healing" process is underway. In the past 25 years, only the 18% quarterly IC market increases in 2Q84 and 2Q06 and the 17% surge in 4Q99 were better than the 2Q09 results. In order to fully appreciate the magnitude of the IC market rebound, consider the following 2Q09/1Q09 results:

  • The DRAM market grew over 30%;
  • The DRAM average selling price (ASP) was up 12%;
  • Analog IC unit volume shipments increased over 30%;
  • Microcontroller unit volume shipments increased over 25%;
  • DSP unit volume shipments increased over 40%;
  • The display driver market was up 25%;
  • Total worldwide IC unit shipments were up over 20%; and
  • The total worldwide IC market was up 16%!

Since 4Q08, the report has encouraged its clients to think quarterly about 2009. As the statistics above show, this has proven to be the most relevant and useful approach to understanding the current market dynamics.

Although the IC inventory replenishment surge in 2Q09 is expected to take away some of the momentum of 3Q09, the second half of the year still looks strong. The report is advising to not be caught looking backwards! Now that the worst is over, this is the time to prepare for the growth that lies ahead.


Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications' web site. View the report: The McClean Report.