Worldwide sales of semiconductors reached US$41.4 billion for the month of November 2018, up 9.8% compared to year-ago levels but down 1.1% sequentially, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). Monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.

"The global semiconductor industry continues to post solid year-to-year sales increases, and year-to-date revenue through November has surpassed annual sales from all of 2017, but growth has slowed somewhat in recent months," said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO.

"Year-to-year sales increased in November across all major regional markets, with the China market standing out with growth of 17%," Neuffer continued. "Double-digit annual growth is expected for 2018 once December's sales are tallied, with more modest growth projected for 2019."

Chip sales in China surged 17.4% from a year ago in November 2018, while sales also registered on-year increases in the Americas (8.8%), Europe (5.8%), Japan (5.6%), and Asia Pacific/All Other (4.4%). On a sequential basis, November sales were up in Asia Pacific/All Other (1.1%), Europe (0.5%) and Japan (0.4%), but down 2.2% in the Americas and 2.7% in China.