Worldwide semiconductor sales in the third quarter rose 19.7 percent, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported today, ahead of expectations.
Sales were $61.9 billion, compared with $51.7 billion in Q2, but 10.1% below the same period last year. September 2009 sales were $20.1 billion, up 8.2% from August.
“Global semiconductor sales in the third quarter were above expectations,” said SIA president George Scalise.
“September sales were in line with historical patterns, reflecting increased demand from end-users as they began the build for the holiday season. Unit sales of personal computers and cell phones – the two largest demand drivers for semiconductors – continue to run ahead of earlier forecasts,” he said.
Demand for semiconductors for industrial applications, which had declined sharply, showed some signs of recovery.
“Amid signs that we are in the early stages of recovery in the global economy, semiconductor sales continue to reflect normal seasonal patterns. Sales are running well ahead of the worst-case scenarios projected early in the year, and we are optimistic that total sales for 2009 will be better than our mid-year forecast,” Scalise said.