WASHINGTON — The worldwide 90-day moving average sales of semiconductors reached $88.3 billion for the third quarter, the industry’s highest-ever quarterly sales.

Sales were up 11.55% over the previous quarter, said The Semiconductor Industry Association, which tracks the data based on reports from manufacturers.

September sales were $29.4 billion, up 3.6% year-over-year and 4.2% sequentially.

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

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%). Compared to the same month last year, sales in September increased in China (12%), Japan (4.2%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (1.7%), but decreased in the Americas (-2.4%) and Europe (-4%).

“China stood out in September, leading all regional markets with growth of 5% month-to-month and 12% year-to-year,” Neuffer said. “Standouts among semiconductor product categories included NAND flash and microprocessors, both of which posted solid month-to-month growth in September.”