KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Global sales of semiconductors rose 22.7% year-on-year in January to US$37.6 billion from US$30.6 billion a year earlier, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

In a statement on its website yesterday, SIA said sales in January were 1% lower than the December 2017 total of $38.0 billion, reflecting normal seasonal market trends.

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 that after notching its highest-ever annual sales in 2017, the global semiconductor industry is off to a strong and promising start to 2018, posting its highest-ever January sales and 18th consecutive month of year-to-year sales increases.

“All major regional markets saw double-digit growth compared to last year, with the Americas leading the away with year-to-year growth of more than 40%.

“With year-to-year sales also up across all major semiconductor product categories, the global market is well-positioned for a strong start to 2018,” he said.

SIA said year-to-year sales increased substantially across all regions: the Americas (40.6%), Europe (19.9%), Asia Pacific/All Other (18.6%), China, (18.3%), and Japan (15.1%).

Month-to-month sales increased slightly in Europe (0.9%), held flat in China, but fell somewhat in Asia Pacific/All Other (-0.6%), Japan (-1.0%), and the Americas (-3.6%).