Worldwide semiconductor sales increased 5.7 percent to $87 billion in the third quarter compared to the second quarter, setting a record, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). The third quarter 2014 sales were up 8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2013.
The previous quarterly sales record was set in the second quarter of this year when sales totaled $82.3 billion, the association said.
Global sales for September 2014 reached $29 billion, 8 percent higher than the September 2013 total of $26.9 billion and 1.9 percent more than August 2014 total of $28.5 billion.
“Through the third quarter of 2014, global semiconductor sales remain strong and well ahead of last year’s pace,” said Brian Toohey, SIA president and CEO. He noted the chip industry has posted seven consecutive months of sequential monthly growth. “Year-to-year growth has been strong across nearly all semiconductor product categories, with DRAM and analog leading the way,” he said.
Regionally, sales in September increased 2.8 percent in the Americas compared to August. Sales increased 2.5 percent in Asia, but declined 0.1 percent in Japan and 1.3 percent in Japan, according to SIA. However, compared to September 2013, sales increased in 13 percent in Asia, 7.9 percent in Europe and 3.7 percent in the Americas. Chip revenue in Japan fell 3.7 percent.
All four regional markets have posted better year-to-date sales through September than they did through the same point last year, the association said.
All monthly sales numbers were compiled by World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) and represent a three-month moving average.
Earlier in the year, WSTS updated its forecast for the year and predicted chip sales in 2014 would increase 6.5 percent from 2013 with revenue reaching $325 million.
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