MILPITAS, CA – Worldwide silicon wafer shipments decreased 9.6% quarter-over-quarter to 3.01 billion sq. in. in the third quarter, a 19.5% drop from the 3.74 billion sq. in. recorded during the same quarter last year, the SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) reported in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry.

NEEDHAM, MA – Worldwide smartphone shipments declined 0.1% year over year to 302.8 million units in the third quarter, according to preliminary data from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. Although macroeconomic uncertainties linger as markets struggle with soft demand, inflation, and geopolitical tensions, healthy inventory and the slower pace of decline are encouraging some vendors to increase shipments.

TOKYO – Japan's PCB output has shrunk for 10 consecutive months and continues to fall into double-digit declines, with August representing the third largest decline this year, according to the Japan Electronics Packaging Circuits Association.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – North American PCB shipments in September were down 14.6% compared to the same month last year and were up 35.7% compared to August, according to IPC's North American PCB Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.01.