KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 6): Global sales of semiconductors reached US$117.9 billion during the second quarter of 2018, an increase of 6% over the previous quarter and 20.5% more than the second quarter of 2017, according to the U.S.-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

In a statement on its website last Friday, SIA said global sales for the month of June 2018 reached US$39.3 billion, an uptick of 1.5% over last month’s total of US$38.7 billion, and a surge of 20.5% compared to the June 2017 total of US$32.6 billion.

It said that cumulatively, year-to-date sales during the first half of 2018 were 20.4% higher than they were at the same point in 2017.

SIA president and CEO John Neuffer said halfway through 2018, the global semiconductor industry continues to post impressive sales totals, notching its highest-ever quarterly sales in Q2 and record monthly sales in June.

“Global sales have increased year-to-year by more than 20% for 15 consecutive months, and sales of every major product category increased year-to-year in June. Sales into the Americas market continue to be strong, with year-to-date totals more than 30% higher than at the same point last year.

“Global sales have increased year-to-year by more than 20% for 15 consecutive months, and sales of every major product category increased year-to-year in June. Sales into the Americas market continue to be strong, with year-to-date totals more than 30% higher than at the same point last year,” he said.

SIA said that regionally, sales increased compared to June 2017 in China (30.7%), the Americas (26.7%), Europe (15.9%), Japan (14.0%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (8.6%).

It said sales also were up compared to last month in China (3.2%), Japan (1.3%), the Americas (1.2%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (0.5%), but down slightly in Europe (-0.8%).