Global semiconductor sales increased 8.4 percent to $80.92 billion in the third quarter compared to previous quarter, the highest-ever quarterly total in chip industry history, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
September was a record month for the industry as sales totaled $26.97 billion, up 3.3 percent from August, the SIA said. September sales were also up 8.7 percent compared to September 2012.
In the Americas, semiconductor revenue in September grew 24.3 percent to $5.49 billion, compared to $4.42 billion in September 2012, the association said.
Chip sales increased 9.9 percent in Asia-Pacific in September compared to September 2012 and were 6.4 percent higher in Europe. However, semiconductor revenue declined 12.9 percent mainly because of the devaluation of the Japanese yen, according to the SIA.
"The global semiconductor industry has built impressive momentum through the third quarter of the year and is well-positioned for a strong close to 2013, thanks largely to growing strength in the Americas," said Brian Toohey, SIA president and CEO.
He noted the industry posted "new monthly and quarterly bests in September," and said sales growth should continue.
Toohey added that sales of memory ICs have increased sharply compared to last year and continue to be a major driver of chip industry growth. Toohey said there is also "encouraging growth across the board," including healthy increases in demand for analog and logic chips.
The SIA reports sales totals compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.
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