Global Semiconductor Industry Posts Highest-Ever Monthly and Quarterly Sales

Sales increase for seventh straight month globally in September; sales in Americas increase by 24.3 percent compared to last September

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nov. 4, 2013—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $80.92 billion during the third quarter of 2013, the industry’s highest-ever quarterly total and an increase of 8.4 percent over the second quarter total of $74.64 billion. Global sales for the month of September 2013 reached $26.97 billion, the highest monthly total ever and an increase of 8.7 percent compared to September 2012. Sales in the Americas increased by 24.3 percent compared to September 2012, while global sales this September were 3.3 percent higher than the previous month’s total of $26.10 billion. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. 

“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,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “The industry established new monthly and quarterly bests in September, and favorable 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.” 

September sales topped sales from the same month last year in the Americas (24.3 percent), Asia Pacific (9.9 percent), and Europe (6.4 percent), but decreased in Japan (-12.9 percent), in large part because of the devaluation of the Japanese yen. Sales in September were up across all regions compared to the previous month, with the Americas posting the largest increase (5.7 percent).    

To find out how to purchase the WSTS Subscription Package, which includes comprehensive monthly semiconductor sales data and detailed WSTS Forecasts, please visit http://www.semiconductors.org/industry_statistics/wsts_subscription_package/.  

About the SIA

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the U.S. semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a key driver of America’s economic strength, national security and global competitiveness. Semiconductors – microchips that control all modern electronics – enable the systems and products that we use to work, communicate, travel, entertain, harness energy, treat illness, and make new scientific discoveries. The semiconductor industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million people in the U.S. In 2012, U.S. semiconductor sales totaled more than $146 billion, and semiconductors make the global trillion dollar electronics industry possible. Founded in 1977 by five microelectronics pioneers, SIA unites companies that account for 80 percent of America’s semiconductor production. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen U.S. leadership of semiconductor design and manufacturing by working with Congress, the Administration and other key industry stakeholders to encourage policies and regulations that fuel innovation, propel business and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org. 

About WSTS

World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) is an independent non-profit organization representing the vast majority of the world semiconductor industry. The mission of WSTS is to be the respected source of semiconductor market data and forecasts. Founded in 1986, WSTS is the singular source for monthly industry shipment statistics.