(February 2, 2006) San Jose, CA &#8212 Worldwide semiconductor sales hit a record $227.5 billion in 2005, increasing 6.8% from $213.0 billion in 2004, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). In December 2005, worldwide semiconductor sales totaled $19.95 billion, a 2.2% drop from November 2005’s $20.41 billion. Sales in December 2005 were up 8.6% compared to $18.37 billion in December 2004. Worldwide sales for the fourth quarter were $59.86 billion, up 2.0% from third-quarter sales of $58.67 billion, and up 8.6% from sales of $55.10 billion in the fourth quarter of 2004.