Japan Compound Semiconductor Shipment Recovers 2H F2009

Japanese shipment of compound semiconductor was 36.8 billion yen in fiscal 2009 ended March 2010, which was in line with the level in fiscal 2008, according to Japan Manufacturers’ Society of Compound Semiconductor Materials (JAMS-CS). The shipment hit year to year 29% down in the first half but the shipment increased by 52% in the second half.

The shipment of gallium arsenide increased by 3% in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. The export recovered sharply in the second half while the shipment for domestic market decreased. However, the shipment value was 27% lower than fiscal 2007 level and still the way to recovery.

The shipment of gallium phosphide decreased by 3% in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. The shipment increased mainly for export in the second half but the annual shipment decreased due to wide drop in the first half. An industry source said the demand shifted to gallium arsenide mainly for high brightness light emitting diode. The selling price was also low for gallium phosphide.

The shipment of indium phosphide decreased by 4% in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. A maker source said the demand is strong for Chinese optical fiber.

The shipment of compound semiconductor decreased by 3% for visible LED in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008 while the shipment increased by 3% for infrared LED. The export shipment increased by 23%.