Global sales of semiconductors reached US$74.8 billion in the second quarter of 2010, up 7.1% from US$69.9 billion in the first quarter.
Chip sales totaled US$144.6 billion in the first half of 2010, more than 50% higher than the same period of 2009.
"Sales in the first half of 2010 were exceptionally robust, driven by strong demand from a broad range of end markets" .
In addition to improving demand, the more than 50% on-year growth also reflects the effects of the industry slowdown in the first half of 2009.
"We expect that sequential growth rates will moderate in the coming months, with the result that year-on-year growth for the industry will be in line with our mid-year forecast of 28.4%," Toohey said. "Macroeconomic factors such as consumer confidence, job growth and overall economic growth continue to bear watching for their possible impact on sales in the second half."