Worldwide semiconductor sales increased 9.9 percent to a record $335.8 billion in 2014, according to Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
The year ended strongly for the semiconductor industry as sales in December reached $29.1 billion, up 16 percent compared to December of 2013. Fourth quarter sales totaled $87.4 billion, a 9.3 percent increase from the fourth quarter 2013 when revenue was $79.9 billion, the association said.
Total sales for the year exceeded projections from World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) which compiles sales numbers for the SIA. The SIA had earlier forecast that semiconductor revenue would increase 9 percent for the year to $333.2 billion.
“The global semiconductor industry posted its highest-ever sales in 2014, topping $335 billion for the first time thanks to broad and sustained growth across nearly all regions and product categories,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO.
He noted that the chip industry has achieved record sales in two consecutive years and is well positioned for growth in 2015.
Memory was the fastest growing segment in 2014 as sales increased 18.2 percent in 2014 to $79.2 billion. Within the DRAM segment, sales increased 34.7 percent, the SIA said.
Discrete semiconductors posted 10.8 percent revenue growth as sales reached $20.2 billion. Analog sales grew 10. 6 percent to $44.3 and power transistor sales increased 16.1 percent to $11.9 billion, according to the association.
Semiconductor sales increased in all four regional markets for the first time since 2010. Chip sales increased 12.7 percent in the Americas, 11.4 percent in Asia-Pacific, 7.4 percent in Europe and 0.1 percent in Japan, the SIA said.
“The U.S. market demonstrated particular strength in 2014, posting double-digit growth to lead all regions,” Neuffer said. “With the new Congress now under way, we urge policymakers to help foster continued growth by enacting policies that promote U.S. innovation and global competitiveness.”
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