Global semiconductor industry sees strongest quarter with 15.8% chip sales growth

Worldwide semiconductor revenues reached £165bn in the third quarter, with September marking record monthly sales.

The global semiconductor industry has posted its strongest quarterly growth in nearly a decade, with worldwide chip sales climbing 15.8% between the second and third quarters of this year, according to industry figures released today.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), which represents the vast majority of the world's chipmaking firms, announced that global sales totalled £165bn ($208.4bn) during the third quarter of 2025. The figures represent the most robust quarter-on-quarter expansion since 2016, underscoring the industry's continued momentum despite broader economic uncertainties.

September proved particularly buoyant, with monthly sales reaching £55bn ($69.5bn) – a 7.0% rise from August and 25.1% higher than the same month last year. The September figure marks the highest monthly total in the sector's history.

John Neuffer, president and chief executive of the SIA, said the market's expansion was being propelled by heightened demand across multiple product categories. "Global chip sales continued to grow in the third quarter of this year, significantly outpacing sales from Q2," he said. "Market growth was driven by increased demand across a range of semiconductor products, including memory and logic."

The growth has been particularly pronounced in certain regions. Year-on-year sales in September jumped 47.9% in the Asia Pacific region and 30.6% in the Americas. China recorded a 15.0% increase, whilst Europe saw more modest growth of 6.0%. Japan was the sole market to decline, with sales falling 10.2% compared to the previous year.

On a month-to-month basis, all regions posted gains in August, led by the Americas and Asia Pacific (both up 8% or more), followed by China, Europe, and Japan.

The semiconductor sector underpins virtually all modern technology, from smartphones and computers to motor vehicles and artificial intelligence systems. The industry's fortunes are closely watched as a bellwether for the broader technology sector and global manufacturing activity.

Monthly sales figures are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organisation and represent a three-month moving average.