Worldwide Chip Demand Hits Record, Says SIA; Apple, Samsung Top Customers, Gartner Finds

Global semiconductor shipments increased 14 percent in 2018 from the prior year to $468.8 billion, said the Semiconductor Industry Association Monday, "a new high" with "total units shipped topping 1 trillion for the first time.” China led in chip growth, monetary shipments there increasing 21 percent, said SIA, as the Americas jumped 16 percent. Apple remained the No. 2 and Samsung No. 1 semiconductor customers in 2018, with 17.9 percent total share, down 1.6 points from 2017, Gartner reported.