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The global slide in semiconductor sales

Dion Rabouin, author of Markets
Expand chart
Data: World Semiconductor Trade Statistics Blue Book; Chart: Axios Visuals

Samsung reported its weakest profit in more than 2 years in the first quarter, as its core semiconductor business booked a 64% drop in operating profit.

Why it matters: Samsung's problems are part of a major reversal in semiconductor sales that's happening around the globe. Worldwide, there was a 15.5% drop in sales from Q4 2018 to Q1 2019.

Sales regionally:

  • Americas: -29.2%
  • China: -14.5%
  • Japan: -13.8%
  • Asia Pacific/All Other: -10.4%
  • Europe: -3.1%

After a surreal sales explosion from 2016-2018, this year has seen a significant pullback, the biggest on a 3-month moving average basis since the financial crisis, according to data from World Semiconductor Trade Statistics.

Yes, but: As the chart makes clear, sales are still incredibly high and semiconductor companies have delivered solid second quarter guidance.

Go deeper: Samsung warning shows continued softness in consumer electronics

Go deeper

Rebecca Falconer
Updated 4 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Report: Pentagon watchdog finds Ronny Jackson drank on duty and harassed staff

Rep. Ronny Jackson walking through the Canon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol in January. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) allegedly made "sexual and denigrating" comments about a female staffer, drank alcohol and took sleeping medication while working as White House physician, according to a report obtained by CNN Tuesday night.

Driving the news: The Department of Defense inspector general's report stems from a years-long investigation. Jackson has called the allegations "false and fabricated."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Lachlan Markay
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

DOJ pressed to enforce Al Jazeera foreign agent ruling

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The Justice Department is being pressed to enforce its own demand that the U.S. arm of Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera register as a foreign agent.

Why it matters: The launch of Al Jazeera's new right-of-center U.S. media venture, Rightly, has refocused attention on the media company's alleged links to Doha, and DOJ's efforts to crack down on media outlets viewed as foreign interest mouthpieces.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Stef W. Kight
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Poll: Immigration is America's most-polarizing issue

Data: The American Aspirations Index/Populace; Chart: Will Chase/Axios

Immigration was found to be the most polarizing issue in America based on new polling from Populace.

Why it matters: Americans have surprisingly similar priorities for the U.S., but immigration stands out as one of the few issues with clear partisan differences. It underscores the challenge for advocates and lawmakers hoping to pass immigration reform in the coming weeks amid narrow margins in Congress.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow