Leadframe Unit Shipments Trends Show Signs of Recovery

With the semiconductor industry contracting sharply in the fourth quarter of 2008 because of the broader troubles in the global economy, observers have sought signals that the worst of the downturn has passed. Recent news from top semiconductor companies and leading foundries indicate the business is beginning to pick up. Another sign indicating a change in direction is the recent data covering leadframe shipments.

Leadframes remain a key substrate technology used in packaging as an interface to provide electrical contact between the semiconductor device and the outside world. The three-month moving average shipment trends collected by SEMI clearly indicate 1) the sharp decline in shipments beginning in October of last year and 2) the recent uptick in shipments in the March data set.

On a quarterly basis, leadframe shipments dropped by 30% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and dropped by another 39% in the first quarter of this year. Hopefully going forward, the semiconductor industry can realize a steady improvement in demand for devices following the dire turn of events in late 2008.

Source: SEMI, April 2009

HOW TO DECIDE ON A BUSINESS

So, you decided to set up your own business. You have the money but problem is, what kind of business will you set up? If you have this kind of dilemna, maybe these tips may help you in your strategic planning.

Business Tip #1: The business idea must be about something you love.

Business Tip #2: The business idea must be profitable.

Business Tip #3: The business idea must involve something you can do very well.

Business Tip #4: The business idea must be unique enough.

Business Tip #5s: The business idea must be something you can afford.

Conclusion

Plan your business carefully from the start. Decide on what business you really want to have, and the rest will be easier.

AVOID THE RUSH... FILE YOUR TAXES EARLY

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is putting up special tax filing centers in strategic places all over the country for the convenience of taxpayers as the April 15 deadline for the filing of the 2008 income tax returns (ITRs) nears. BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said the “tulungan” centers will be put up inside branches of the bureau’s authorized agent banks ( AABs), commercial centers as well as municipal and city halls. They will be manned by BIR examiners and members of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP), Aspe said.

The BIR official, however, stressed that ITRs with payments must be filed with banks under the revenue district office where the concerned taxpayer is registered. BIR Commissioner Sixto Esquivias IV, meanwhile, reiterated his request to the AABs that they accept tax payments from taxpayers who do not have existing accounts with them.

Avoid the rush. File your tax returns early.