WASHINGTON – Worldwide sales of semiconductors were $25 billion for May, up 1.8% sequentially and up 1.3% year-over-year, SIA said Tuesday.

All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

Year-to-date results are in line with recent WSTS projections, indicating global industry sales will increase 5.4% for 2011, 7.6% in 2012 and 5.4% in 2013, with a three-year CAGR of 6.13% from 2010 to 2013.

“Taking into consideration macroeconomic factors impacting consumer confidence, the steady but modest growth that the industry demonstrated in May is encouraging,” said Brian Toohey, SIA president.

“Global demand for high-end electronics, the continuing proliferation of semiconductor technology into a wider range of products, growth in emerging economies, and better than expected recovery from the Japan earthquake will be continued drivers of industry growth in 2011."

The industry continues to see growth in demand for tablets and e-readers, as well as increased demand for industrial processors that enable devices to harness renewable energy like solar panels and e-meters. Additionally, the industry has seen strong demand for electronic systems included across all ranges of vehicles, the firm says.

Economic uncertainty both in the US and abroad bears close watching, while further opportunities for semiconductor sales growth will be concentrated in emerging markets like China and India, according to SIA.