WASHINGTON — Worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $24.05 billion in January, up 3.8% from last year.

The 90-day moving average sales fell 2.8% from December, reflecting normal seasonal trends, the Semiconductor Industry Association added.

Regionally, the Americas posted its highest sales total of any January in the last decade.

“Led by continuing strength in the Americas, the global semiconductor industry has built on its momentum from the end of 2012 with an encouraging start to 2013, but ongoing economic uncertainty is holding back more robust growth,” said Brian Toohey, SIA president and CEO. “The across-the-board spending cuts that hit last week and the threat of a government shutdown later this month are just the latest examples of fiscal disruptions that sidetrack economic growth. Congress and the Administration must work together to get our country’s fiscal house in order to restore confidence in the US economy and spur growth.”

Regionally, year-over-year sales increased in the Americas (10.5%) and Asia Pacific (7.8%) but decreased in Europe (-4.9%) and Japan (-12.3%). Sales increased modestly in Europe (0.4%) compared to the previous month, but decreased in Asia Pacific (-2.5%), the Americas (-3.5%) and Japan (-5.5%). January sales historically are lower than December sales due to seasonal trends.