SAN JOSE – Worldwide sales of semiconductors rose 5.2% sequentially to $19.6 billion in September, the SIA  reported today. Global chip sales increased 5.6% over September 2004.

Third-quarter sales were up 8.9% sequentially.
Semiconductor sales year-to-date were $167.6 billion, 6.1% higher than 2004.

“Global semiconductor sales were very strong in September despite earlier concerns that rising energy prices and declining consumer confidence would impact sales of electronic products,” said SIA president George Scalise. “The September numbers show strong demand across most major product lines, reflecting continued strength in end-markets."

Demand for chips used in consumer products accounted for much of the September increase. Third-quarter PC unit sales rose 17% over the same period of 2004, while unit sales of cellphones increased 25%.

Sales of consumer electronics were 6% through September, and on pace for a record $226 billion in 2005.