Global semi sales reach record high in Q3

Global sales for the month of September 2013 also reached the highest ever monthly total of $26.97bn, up 8.7% compared to September 2012. Regionally, sales in the Americas increased by 24.3% compared to September 2012, followed by Asia (9.9%) and Europe (6.4%). Sales slumped in Japan, however, but this has largely been attributed to the devaluation of the Japanese yen. Brian Toohey, president and ceo of the Semiconductor Industry Association, said: "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. "The industry established new monthly and quarterly bests in September, and favourable trend lines indicate continued growth. Sales of memory products have increased sharply compared to last year and continue to be a major driver of industry growth, but we have seen encouraging growth across the board, including solid increases in demand for analog and logic products."