Rising semi sales point to record 2014

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), semiconductor sales for the month of June reached $27.57bn, marking the industry's highest monthly sales ever. June's sales were also 10.8% higher than last year's total of $24.88bn and 2.6% more than last month's total of $26.86bn. Year to date sales during the first half of 2014 were 11.1% higher than they were at the same point in 2013, which was a record year for semiconductor revenues. Brian Toohey, SIA president and CEO, said: "Through the first half of 2014, the global semiconductor market has demonstrated consistent, across-the-board growth, with the Americas region continuing to show particular strength. "The industry posted its highest ever second quarter sales and outperformed the latest World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) sales forecast. Looking forward, macroeconomic indicators – including solid US GDP growth announced last week – bode well for continued growth in the second half of 2014 and beyond." Regionally, sales were up compared to last month in the Americas (4.9%), Asia Pacific (2.1%), Japan (2.1%), and Europe (1.9%). Compared to June 2013, sales increased in the Americas (12.1%), Europe (12.1%), Asia Pacific (10.5%) and Japan (8.5%). All four regional markets have posted better year to date sales through the first half of 2014 than they did through the same point last year.