North American semiconductor equipment Feb 09 orders: 5% down from Jan 09

Semiconductor industry association SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) has reported that, North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $263.5 million in orders in February 2009 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.48.

This is about five percent less than the final Jan 2009 level of $277.2 million, and about 78 percent less than the $1.21 billion in orders posted in Feb 2008.

"These are the lowest bookings levels we've seen since SEMI began compiling data for the book-to-bill program in 1991," said Dan Tracy, senior director of Industry Research and Statistics at SEMI. "Spending and investments remain at minimal levels as the semiconductor industry waits for clearer signals indicating improvement in end market demand."

Is this the lowest level? At least the sharp falling curve is turning flat; hope the lowest point ends in Q1 09.