WASHINGTON – Global semiconductor sales were $27.06 billion in October, up 7.2% year-over-year, and up 0.8% sequentially, says the Semiconductor Industry Association. October marked the eighth consecutive month of growth in sales and the industry’s first-ever month above $27 billion in sales, the firm says.

The figures are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organization and represent a three-month moving average.

WSTS forecasts the industry will reach its highest-ever sales in 2013, and continued growth is projected for 2014 and 2015. WSTS projects worldwide sales will reach $304.3 billion in 2013, up 4.4% year-over-year. WSTS predicts 4.1% growth globally for 2014 ($316.6 billion in total sales) and 3.4% growth for 2015 ($327.3 billion).

“With eight straight months of growth and a new monthly sales record in October, the global semiconductor industry is on track to exceed $300 billion in annual sales for the first time ever in 2013,” said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, SIA. “The industry is projected to maintain solid growth for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014, led largely by the Americas, which has remained well ahead of last year’s pace.”

Regionally, sequential monthly sales increased in the Americas (3.3%), Europe (1.7%), and Asia Pacific (0.1%), but decreased in Japan by 1.4%. Compared to October 2012, sales increased in the Americas (20.1%), Europe (8.6%), and Asia Pacific (7.4%), but fell in Japan by 12.1%, in part due to the devaluation of the Japanese yen.

WSTS predicts year-over-year increases for 2013 in the Americas (10.3%), Asia Pacific (7.2%), and Europe (4.3%), but a decline in Japan of 14.5%.

WSTS expects the wireless and automotive end markets to grow faster than the total market in 2014 and 2015.

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