LONDON (MarketWatch) -- The Semiconductor Industry Association said Tuesday that worldwide semiconductor sales in April were $23.6 billion, representing a 50.4% rise from a year earlier and a 2.2% rise from March. "Global sales of semiconductors grew at a healthy rate in April, surpassing the previous monthly record level of November 2007," said SIA President George Scalise. "Important contributors to current growth of semiconductor sales include the worldwide adoption of 3G wireless communications and consequent investment in infrastructure and recovery of demand from the enterprise, automotive, and industrial sectors," he added. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/worldwide-semiconductor-sales-up-50-at-236-bln-2010-06-01
It's probably 'connected world' trend - all devices you didn't think in past could be connected to networks/internet. E-readers and photoframes are an obvious example, but think about fridge/stove/washer/dryer/air conditioner , not mentioning lawn mower and backyard sprinklers . All at once are going to the internet, allowing remote control, firmware updates, problem/service reporting, buying spare parts,etc. That's why you need more chips. That's funny, and change a lot in the world around. And, probably, would cause to more unemployment. Might be related : http://connectedworldmag.com/Conference/