Global sales of semiconductors were US$79.4 billion in the third quarter of 2010, up 6.1% from US$74.8 billion in the second, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). On an annual basis, the figure showed 26.2% growth compared to the US$62.9 billion posted in the third quarter of 2009.
In September, chip sales rose 2.9% on month and 26.2% on year to US$26.5 billion, according to SIA.
"Semiconductor sales have grown steadily in all regions through the third quarter of 2010, with strong demand in consumer and industrial electronic products," said SIA president Brian Toohey. "Inventory for the industry continues to be generally in balance with demand," Toohey continued.
"We could see moderation in the growth rate through the end of the year as demand for consumer electronic products such as PCs, flat-panel TVs and mobile devices are potentially impacted by continuing economic uncertainty," Toohey concluded.