The worldwide chip market grew 4.2% in September, reaching $10.22bn in sales, according to a report from the Semiconductor Industry Association. Those sales represent a $414m increase from August and mark the second consecutive month to show positive month-to-month growth, the SIA says. But on a year-over-year basis, the sales constitute a drop of $1.60bn, or 13.5%, from the same period last year. All regions saw sales growth in the quarter, with totals in the Americas rising 4%, Europe up 6.2% and Japan 1.2%. Surprisingly, the Asia-Pacific region also saw growth to the tune of 5.3%, mostly due to increased shipments for consumer electronics applications. The SIA reckons the figures indicate a strong fourth quarter, typically the most active period of the year.
