Global semiconductor sales surpassed the $1 trillion mark in the first eight months of this year, setting a new annual record for the industry. The market has now posted growth for 18 consecutive months, with sales over the latest three-month period rising 27.2% from the preceding three months.
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said on Oct. 5 that cumulative global semiconductor sales from January through August exceeded $1 trillion. Full-year sales are projected to surpass $1.6 trillion.
Global semiconductor sales reached $159.74 billion in August, up 144.3% from a year earlier and 8.0% from the previous month. Monthly sales data compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization are based on a three-month moving average; the August figure therefore represents average monthly sales from June through August.
The momentum was also evident in the latest three-month period. Average monthly sales from June through August rose 27.2% from $125.59 billion in the March-to-May period.
All major regions recorded growth of more than 20% over the period. Sales in the Americas rose 30.2%, followed by Japan at 29.4%, Asia-Pacific and other regions at 28.8%, Europe at 22.4%, and China at 22.1%.
On a month-over-month basis, sales increased across every region. Asia-Pacific and other regions posted the strongest growth at 9.1%, followed by Japan at 8.5%, the Americas at 8.2%, Europe at 7.5%, and China at 6.6%.
The sharp expansion has been fueled by investment in AI infrastructure, which is translating directly into semiconductor demand. According to a joint report released by the SIA and Deloitte in June, semiconductors account for more than 95% of the value of components in an advanced AI server rack.
Semiconductors also represent more than half of the total capital expenditure required to build and operate AI data centers. That means expanding investment in AI infrastructure is increasingly driving semiconductor sales higher.
“Global semiconductor sales continued to grow in August for the 18th consecutive month, with strong sales in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and China driving solid and sustained year-over-year growth,” said John Neuffer, President and CEO of the SIA. “The semiconductor industry is entering a new era of growth and innovation.”
