Worldwide semiconductor sales up 58 percent in first quarter over last year’s levels

First-quarter chip sales up 58 pct over last year

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Worldwide semiconductor sales rose 58 percent in the first quarter compared to a year ago, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported Monday.

The latest figures set a first-quarter record, showing how fast the industry has rebounded from the period one year ago, which was the low point of the recession for chip producers.

It was the highest sales level for any quarter since late 2007, the industry group said.

“While we expect that 2010 sales will continue to be strong, the year-on-year growth rate will moderate going forward, reflecting the industry recovery that began in the second half of 2009,” said SIA President George Scalise.

Average monthly sales were $23.1 billion, up 2.8 percent from last year’s fourth quarter.

Year-over-year growth was most pronounced in the Asia-Pacific region, where sales climbed 72 percent, and the Americas, where sales rose 48 percent. Sales increased 42 percent in Europe and 43 percent in Japan.