WASHINGTON – Worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $122.7 billion during the third quarter of 2018, up 13.8% year-over-year and 4.1% sequentially, says the Semiconductor Industry Association.

Global sales for September reached $40.9 billion, up 13.8% year-over-year and 2% sequentially.

All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics and represent a three-month moving average.

“Three-quarters of the way through 2018, the global semiconductor industry is on pace to post its highest-ever annual sales, comfortably topping last year’s record total of $412 billion,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, SIA. “While year-to-year growth has tapered in recent months, September marked the global industry’s highest-ever monthly sales, and Q3 was its top-grossing quarter on record. Year-to-year sales in September were up across every major product category and regional market, with sales into China and the Americas continuing to lead the way.”

Regionally, sales increased compared to September 2017 in China (26.3%), the Americas (15.1%), Europe (8.8%), Japan (7.2%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (2.4%). Sales were up compared to last month in the Americas (6%), China (1.8%), and Europe (1.2%), but down slightly in Asia Pacific/All Other (0.1%) and Japan (0.6%).