Growth in chip sales slow in Europe

JUNE 7-- According to the European Electronic Component Manufacturers Association (EECA; Brussels, Belgium; www.eeca.org), growth in chip sales in Europe slowed in April after the 7.6% rise from February to March. Chip sales rose 1.1% to $2.28 billion from March to April.

The EECA says the gradual slide in the euro-dollar exchange rate continues to depress the European numbers. Measured in euros, the European sales rose 1.4%. On a year-to-year basis, dollar sales for April were 25.8% down and 23% measured in euros.

Worldwide, chip sales rose 3.1% overall from March to April, with much of the growth coming from the Far East. The Americas saw a growth of just 0.2%, with Asia-Pacific leading the way with a growth of 5.7%, albeit lower than the 10.3% growth seen in March.