European semiconductor sales continue to climb

The sales figures, based on the latest WSTS reports, also show consistent growth looking at monthly sales. European semiconductor sales reached $2.757bn in September 2016, an increase of 1.6% compared to the European August sales of $2.713bn.

On a worldwide basis, semiconductor sales were $29.435bn in September 2016, up 4.2% compared to the August 2016 total, and up 3.6% versus the same month in 2015. Sales in total third quarter 2016 were up 8.3% versus the previous quarter. All growth figures represent a three - month rolling average.

All the main product categories were up in September compared to August, with the following exhibiting strong performances: total logic (up 4.4%), total MOS Micro components (up 1.8%), and application - specific semiconductor devices (up 2.7%). Looking at sales of application - specific chips worldwide, semiconductor devices designed to be used in automotive infotainment, wireless communication and consumer applications performed particularly well.

In September, exchange rate effects had a relatively less significant impact on the European sales picture when comparing market growth in euros and in dollars. Measured in euros, semiconductor sales were €2.471bn in September 2016, up 1.7% compared to the previous month and a decrease of 4.2% versus the same month a year ago.