KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): Global semiconductors sales rose 12.7% year-on-year in October to US$41.8 billion from US$37.1 billion a year earlier, according to the US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

In a statement on its website Dec 3, SIA said the figure was 1% higher than the US$41.4 billion registered in September.

All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a three-month moving average.

Additionally, SIA said a newly released WSTS industry forecast was revised upward and now projects annual global market growth of 15.9% in 2018 to US$477.9 billion and 2.6% in 2019.

SIA president and CEO John Neuffer said the global semiconductor industry posted solid year-to-year growth in October and is on pace for its highest-ever annual sales in 2018, but growth has moderated in recent months.

“Although strong sales of DRAM products continue to boost overall market growth, sales in all other major product categories also increased year-to-year in October, and all major regional markets posted year-to-year gains.

“Double-digit annual growth is expected in 2018, with more modest growth projected for 2019,” he said.

SIA said that regionally, year-to-year sales increased in China (23.3%), the Americas (14.1%), Europe (7.0%), Japan (5.5%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (3.7%).