What Happened
Global semiconductor sales experienced substantial growth during the third quarter of 2026, totaling $517.7 billion according to data announced by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). This figure represents a 24.1% increase when compared to the second quarter of 2026.
The Details
Monthly sales figures compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization—which represent a three-month moving average—showed that global sales reached $172.6 billion during September 2026. This monthly total reflects a 146.8% increase compared to September 2025, as well as a 7.9% increase over sales recorded in August 2026.
Industry Context
Michael Robbins, the president and CEO of the SIA, noted that the worldwide chip market grew significantly throughout the third quarter. According to Robbins, worldwide sales increased by more than 20% from quarter to quarter for the third consecutive quarter. Furthermore, year-to-year semiconductor sales maintained strength across all major regional markets, demonstrating the broad global reach of the industry.