SAN JOSE -- Global semiconductor sales rose 7.1% sequentially in the second quarter to $74.8 billion.

June sales were up 0.5% over May to $24.9 billion, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported today.

“Sales in the first half were exceptionally robust, driven by strong demand from a broad range of end markets,” said SIA President Brian Toohey. “Worldwide semiconductor sales of $144.6 billion for the first half were more than 50% higher than the same period of 2009, when sales were $96.1 billion. We expect that sequential growth rates will moderate in the coming months, with the result that year-on-year growth for the industry will be in line with our mid-year forecast of 28.4%.”

The SIA noted that the extraordinary year-on-year sales growth reflects not only strong demand from key end-markets, but also the effects of the industry slowdown in the first half of 2009.

“Macroeconomic factors such as consumer confidence, job growth, and overall economic growth continue to bear watching for their possible impact on sales in the second half,” Toohey said.