KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): Global semiconductor sales rose 3.6% year-on-year in September to US$29.4 billion and up 4.2% month-on-month from US$28.2 billion, according to the U.S. based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

In a statement on its website yesterday, the SIA said worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $88.3 billion for the third quarter of 2016, marking the industry’s highest-ever quarterly sales and an increase of 11.5% compared to the previous quarter.

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

SIA president and CEO John Neuffer said the global semiconductor market had rebounded markedly in recent months, with September showing the clearest evidence yet of resurgent sales.

“The industry posted its highest-ever quarterly sales total, with most regional markets and semiconductor product categories contributing to the gains.

“Indications are positive for increased sales in the coming months, but it remains to be seen whether the global market will surpass annual sales from last year.”

The SIA said that regionally, month-to-month sales increased in September across all markets: China (5.4%), the Americas (4.6%), Asia Pacific/All Other (4.2%), Japan (2.3%), and Europe (1.6%).

It said compared to the same month last year, sales in September increased in China (12.0%), Japan (4.2%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (1.7%), but decreased in the Americas (-2.4%) and Europe (-4.0%).

Neuffer said China stood out in September, leading all regional markets with growth of 5 percent month-to-month and 12 percent year-to-year.

“Standouts among semiconductor product categories included NAND flash and microprocessors, both of which posted solid month-to-month growth in September,” he said.