ELECTRONICS NEWS HIGHLIGHT W52.2023

1. EMS shipments in November increased slightly over the same period

Today IPC released November 2023 results from the North American Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. Total EMS shipments in North America in November 2023 increased 0.2% compared to the same month last year. Compared to the previous month, the volume of goods shipped in November decreased by 1.4%. EMS bookings in November decreased 10.1% year-on-year and increased 4.3% month-over-month.

“While new orders increased slightly this month, year-to-date trends have fallen to their lowest level in 2023,” IPC said. “With one month left in the year, EMS shipments. This year will be higher than last year, despite weak orders.”

IPC’s monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the United States and Canada. IPC releases results at the end of each month.

Learn more: November EMS Shipments up Slightly YoY

2. Qorvo sells factory in China

Qorvo, the renowned wireless connectivity chipmaker, has recently announced the finalization of a strategic agreement to divest its assembly and testing facilities located in Beijing and Dezhou, China. The proud acquirer is none other than Luxshare Precision Industries, a distinguished contract manufacturer. Under this agreement, Luxshare Precision will take over the entire spectrum of plant operations, including real estate, equipment, and the existing workforce, while Qorvo retains its sales, engineering, and customer support teams in China.

What makes this collaboration even more intriguing is the establishment of a newly signed long-term supply agreement. Luxshare Precision is set to play a pivotal role by assembling and testing Qorvo’s cutting-edge integrated mobile products. While the financial intricacies of this significant deal have not been disclosed, the anticipated closing is slated for the first half of 2024.

Learn more: Qorvo sells Beijing and Dezhou assembly & test facilities to contract manufacturer Luxshar

3. SIA: Global semiconductor sales are expected to rebound strongly in 2024

In the latest report from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), sluggish sales of PCs and smartphones are predicted to contribute to a 9.4% global semiconductor sales decline, amounting to $520 billion in 2023, down from $574.1 billion in 2022. However, a positive shift is anticipated as semiconductor sales are expected to transition from a downturn to growth in 2024, with an estimated 13.1% increase, reaching $588.4 billion.

Data released by the SIA indicates that global semiconductor industry revenue for October 2023 totaled $46.6 billion, marking a 3.9% increase from the $44.9 billion recorded in September 2023. Despite this monthly growth, there was a 0.7% decline compared to the $46.9 billion reported in October 2022.

John Neuffer, President and CEO of SIA, highlighted that the global semiconductor market achieved its eighth consecutive monthly growth in October 2023. This sustained growth trend signifies a clear positive momentum in chip demand as 2023 concludes. The global semiconductor market is expected to undergo a robust recovery in 2024, reflecting the evident positive driving forces in chip demand.