The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors were$25 billionfor the month ofMay 2011, a 1.8 percent increase from the prior month when sales were$24.6 billionand a 1.3 percent growth fromMay 2010. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.

"Taking into consideration macroeconomic factors impactingconsumer confidence, thesteadybut modestgrowth that the industry demonstrated in May is encouraging," saidBrian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. "Global demand for high-end electronics,the continuing proliferation of semiconductor technology into a wider range of products,growth in emerging economiesand better than expected recovery from theJapanearthquakewill be continued drivers of industry growth in 2011."

The industry continues to see demand for tablets and e-readers grow, as well as increased demand for industrial processors that enable devices to harness renewable energy like solar panels and e-meters. Additionally, the industry has seen strong demand for electronic systems included across all ranges of vehicles.

Economic uncertainty both in the U.S. and abroad bears close watching, while further opportunities for semiconductor sales growth will be concentrated in emerging markets likeChinaandIndia. Year-to-date results are in line with projections recently reported in the Spring Semiconductor Sales Forecast from WSTS that indicate global industry sales will increase 5.4 percent for 2011, 7.6 percent in 2012 and 5.4 percent in 2013, with a 3-year compound annual growth rate of 6.13 percent from 2010 to 2013.