ARLINGTON, VA – The Consumer Electronics Association has hit on a novel way to spread its free trade message: a nationwide bus tour.

 
CEA has called on Congress to reject isolationism and enact trade agreements that expand the economy and create American jobs. “Trade isn't just vital to our companies and our industry, it is essential to preserving America's prosperity and way of life. Our political leaders have told us to make the case to the American people why trade is vital to our nation’s future, so we are launching this nationwide effort,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro.

SAN JOSE – North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.03 billion in orders in June and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.85, says SEMI. 
  
The three-month average of worldwide bookings was flat sequentially, and down about 36% year-over-year, says the trade group.
 
The three-month average of worldwide billings was $1.21 billion, down about 8% sequentially, and down about 31% compared to June 2007.
 
"With a half year of data at hand, bookings for the North American equipment manufacturers are down 27% compared to the same period one year ago," said Daniel Tracy, senior director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. “The industry awaits more clarity in the overall economic condition before increasing capital spending.”