Analog Semiconductor Supply Chain Update - February 2024
Dennis Reed
|  Created: February 23, 2024
 | 
Updated: July 1, 2024
Analog Semiconductor Supply Chain Update - February 2024
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Key Highlights & Developments:
- European Market Weakness: Auto semiconductor order cancellations and delays are accelerating in Europe, indicating a sharper downturn for the first quarter.
- Cost Management in Detroit: The Detroit Big Three automakers are simplifying vehicle features and considering production cuts due to high dealer inventories.
- Shift in EV Strategy: North American automakers are postponing 20-30% of their 2024 EV projects, pivoting towards hybrid models which require less semiconductor content.
- Cost Control Measures: Across the supply chain, there's an uptick in cost-saving strategies, including layoffs, signaling caution for 2024's outlook.
- Persistent Supply Chain Concerns: Monthly observations suggest continued semiconductor demand weakness into the second half of 2024, influenced by high inventory levels and slow order recovery. Key indicators for a potential rebound include order bookings in Asia post-Chinese New Year and from March to May in the West.
Channel Insights:
- European Demand Downturn: The first quarter has seen a worsening demand in Europe, dimming early optimism for growth in 2024. The business-to-business (B2B) semiconductor ratio is below the equilibrium, exacerbating supply issues.
- Hopes for a Second-Half Recovery: The industry lacks a solid backlog for a predicted recovery in the latter half of 2024, highlighting the need for a significant pickup in bookings soon.
- Challenges for Nvidia: Nvidia faces challenges with its current power management integrated circuit (PMIC) suppliers, with no immediate alternatives meeting their requirements. Efforts are ongoing to resolve this bottleneck.
Other Observations:
- Market Recovery Signs: Slight improvements in B2B orders are noted, but they're still not reaching the desired levels across various sectors.
- Inventory and Demand Dynamics: Consumer electronics, mobile, and PC inventories are normalizing, yet demand recovery remains sluggish. Automotive and industrial sectors show limited inventory progress.
- Post-Chinese New Year Orders: A modest uptick in orders, especially in the automotive sector, is crucial for 2024's recovery, amidst aggressive pricing strategies in China's auto market and a potential shift towards commercial-grade semiconductors.
Conclusions:
The analog semiconductor industry is navigating through a phase of high inventory and cautious demand projections for the second half of 2024. Despite stable pricing trends compared to previous downturns, the sector faces pressure that could impact the industry well into 2024. The focus remains on post-Chinese New Year booking trends for clearer recovery indications.