However, over the past year sales were 21.1% lower than the May 2022 total of $51.7 billion.
Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a three-month moving average.
“Despite continuing market sluggishness compared to 2022, month-to-month global semiconductor sales inched upward in May for the third consecutive month, sparking optimism for a possible market rebound during the second half of the year,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO.
Regionally, month-to-month sales increased modestly across all regions: China (3.9%), Europe (2.0%), Asia Pacific/All Other (1.3%), Japan (0.4%), and the Americas (0.1%). Year-to-year sales were up in Europe (5.9%), but down in Japan (-5.5%), the Americas (-22.6%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-23.0%), and China (-29.5%).