Chip-industry gauge fell in January slowdown; book-to-bill ratio is worst in at least five years; continued softness seen

Article Abstract:

The Semiconductor Industry Association reports that the Jan 1996 book-to-bill ratio declined to 0.93, significantly less than the 1.05 predicted by many analysts. Not since Jan 1991 had the ratio dropped below 1.00, and speculation persists that the semiconductor industry will continue with unsatisfactory sales for some months, especially in the market for memory chips. Financial analysts predict that the discouraging report will be reflected in negative trading of the largest chip vendors' stocks. Industry analysts cite the declining prices for memory chips, coupled with an overabundant supply of the ICs, as the primary reason for disappointing numbers. However, the entire semiconductor industry is being negatively affected by slower-than-expected PC sales.

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Microprocessor Chips, Finance, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Reports, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Microprocessors, Market trend/market analysis

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Chip makers call for easing burden on Japan

Article Abstract:

Representatives of the US semiconductor industry say they are satisfied that they have achieved their goal of a larger share of the Japanese semiconductor market. In a surprising turnaround, the Americans recommend that no further action be taken by the US government. The US had been pressing for a 20 percent share of the Japanese market by the end of 1992. Marcus Noland, a Japan specialist at the Institute for International Economics, says the semiconductor industry's abrupt change illustrates a pattern. US companies that are successful in the Japanese market try to keep other companies out, fearing competition that might lower their profits.

United States, Japan, Clinton, Bill, International aspects, Economic policy, International trade, Japanese foreign relations, United States foreign relations, Market share

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