Taipei,Oct.11,2012(CENS)--Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.(TSMC)had consolidated sales revenue of NT$43.3 billion(US$1.44 billion at US$1:NT$30)in September,slipping an unexpected 12.4% from August and hitting a five-month low although surging 29.8%from the same month of last year.
However,the world's No.1 pure silicon foundry saw its consolidated sales revenue for the third quarter hit a record high of NT$141.3 billion(US$4.7 billion),up around 10% from the second quarter.
Its revenue for the Jan.-Sept.period totaled NT$370.4 billion(US$12.3 billion),surging 17.5% from the same period of last year.
On an unconsolidated basis,the company's net sales for September were around NT$42.8 billion(US$1.4 billion),also decreasing 12.4%from August whereas gaining 30.3% from the same month last year.
In an interview conducted by Cable News Network(CNN),TSMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)pointed out that the greatest challenge to his company in this wave of global economic downturn is the lackluster economy in the United States and mainland China as America is his company's primary market while his company's sales are quickly expanding in the mainland.
He said the U.S.is the company's foremost market,followed by mainland China,Europe and Japan in order.
Chang said compared with the 2008-2009 economic meltdown and the 1990s Asian financial crisis the ongoing downturn is relatively severer to Taiwan's economy because it has dragged down the island's exports.
When asked about market outlook,the semiconductor industry guru pointed out that developing economies are posing potential for investment although the opportunities are relatively fewer over the next three to five years.So,he stressed the company is considering developing markets in the economies,including India and South Korea.
He said that semiconductor industry worldwide will experience inventory correction this quarter and next after undergoing inventory peak in the third quarter.He estimated the industry would see market recover healthily in the second quarter next year as long as macro economy stops festering.
In the interview,Chang stressed that his company usually cautiously plans its production capacity to cope with boom cycle fluctuations,avoiding wild expansions and shortage during upturn cycles.
