Semiconductor sales fall 45%

Global sales of semiconductors totalled $20 billion in September, a drop of 45% from a year ago, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association.

However, September was the third consecutive month that month to month sales had improved, giving the SIA and industry hope.

"A broad cross-section of products grew on a unit basis during the September quarter," said George Scalise, SIA president. "We expect this trend to continue in the December quarter, and we believe this will lead to sequential quarterly growth in sales."

Mr Scalise said demand for information technology products such as personal computers and wireless applications, combined with digital audio devices and other consumer products, would lead the industry into recovery.