Advertisement
Semiconductors
TechTech Trends

China semiconductor imports decline slightly in April, but global chip sales continue to boom

  • China’s semiconductor imports were down 7 per cent in April from the previous month, but up 23 per cent year over year despite global shortages
  • The global semiconductor market continues to see strong growth, but shortages are expected to persist throughout the year

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
People in front of a display of a semiconductor device at Semicon China, a trade fair for semiconductor technology in Shanghai, on March 17. Photo: Reuters
Celia Chenin Shenzhen
Semiconductor imports by China in April declined slightly from an all-time high last month, according to the latest figures released by the country’s customs authorities, as supply constraints continue to disrupt major industries around the globe.
Advertisement

China imported 54.7 billion semiconductor units in April, worth US$33.1 billion, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Friday. It was a 7 per cent fall from the previous month, when the country imported 58.9 billion semiconductor units worth US$35.9 billion. However, imports for the month were up 23 per cent year on year, from 44.4 billion units worth US$27 billion.

China’s semiconductor imports are also up 30.8 per cent so far this year compared with the same period last year, with shipments reaching 210 billion units, worth US$126 billion, in the first four months.

Despite a global semiconductor shortage that has curbed output in the automotive, smartphone, computer, and home appliance industries, research firm IDC continues to see strong growth in sales because demand for cloud technologies and data services remains unchanged.
Global semiconductor revenue grew 10.8 per cent in 2020 to US$464 billion, and growth is expected to accelerate this year despite market shortages as chip suppliers frantically try to keep up with demand, according to a note released on Thursday by IDC. The firm projects the semiconductor market will reach US$522 billion in 2021, up 12.5 per cent year over year. It also anticipates robust growth in semiconductors for consumer, computing, 5G and automotive applications.

“Overall, the semiconductor industry remains on track to deliver another strong year of growth as the super cycle that began at the end of 2019 strengthens this year,” said Mario Morales, programme vice-president for semiconductors at IDC. “The markets remain narrowly focused on shortages across specific sectors of the supply chain, but what is more important to emphasise is how critical semiconductors are to every major system category and … that remains unabated.”

02:15

Taiwan researchers make Covid-19 self-test machine using biosensor chips for results in minutes

Taiwan researchers make Covid-19 self-test machine using biosensor chips for results in minutes

However, supply constraints are expected to continue throughout the year.

Advertisement