Worldwide sales of semiconductors rose to $21.7bn in October, a 5.1% increase from September when sales were $20.6bn, according to the US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
October 2009 sales are 3.5% below October 2008 sales which totalled $22.5bn.
Sales for the first 10 months of 2009 were $180bn, a decline of 16.6% from the like period of 2008 when sales were $215.8bn.
"October is historically a strong month for the semiconductor industry as electronic equipment manufacturers ramp production for the holiday season. Inventory management throughout the supply chain has been very tight, and this may extend the fourth-quarter build season by a few weeks," said George Scalise, the outgoing CEO of the SIA.
"As Semiconductor sales are increasingly driven by the performance of the overall global economy our sales are reflecting the improved economic conditions in our world markets. Sales increased sequentially in all geographic regions," added Scalise.
After 12 years at the helm of the SIA, Scalise announced, earlier this month, that he will retire next year.
At the same time the SIA’s HQ will move from Silicon Valley to Washington DC. The idea is that this will make SIA a more effective lobbyist.
No successor to Scalise has yet been appointed.