The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research, today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors reached $88.3 billion for the third quarter of 2016, marking the industry’s highest-ever quarterly sales and an increase of 11.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. Sales for the month of September 2016 were $29.4 billion, an increase of 3.6 percent over the September 2015 total of $28.4 billion and 4.2 percent more than the previous month’s total of $28.2 billion. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.

“The global semiconductor market has rebounded markedly in recent months, with September showing the clearest evidence yet of resurgent sales,” said John Neuffer, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. “The industry posted its highest-ever quarterly sales total, with most regional markets and semiconductor product categories contributing to the gains. Indications are positive for increased sales in the coming months, but it remains to be seen whether the global market will surpass annual sales from last year.”

Regionally, month-to-month sales increased in September across all markets: China (5.4 percent), the Americas (4.6 percent), Asia Pacific/All Other (4.2 percent), Japan (2.3 percent), and Europe (1.6 percent). Compared to the same month last year, sales in September increased in China (12.0 percent), Japan (4.2 percent), and Asia Pacific/All Other (1.7 percent), but decreased in the Americas (-2.4 percent) and Europe (-4.0 percent).

“China stood out in September, leading all regional markets with growth of 5 percent month-to-month and 12 percent year-to-year,” Neuffer said. “Standouts among semiconductor product categories included NAND flash and microprocessors, both of which posted solid month-to-month growth in September.”