The three-month average of worldwide chip sales was $26.16 billion in March, up 11.4% over the equivalent figure in March 2013, according to the United States Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), referencing data compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization.

　　Sequentially, the three-month average sales were rose 0.4% from $26.04 billion in February 2014, a figure that had been revised upward from $25.87 billion. The uplift for February resulted in year-on-year growth of 12.1% in February and, in consequence, a slight moderation in the growth rate in March. Nonetheless, first-quarter global chip sales were the highest ever.

　　Sales in the Americas region were up by 16.1% compared to last March, and sales in the Asia-Pacific region were up by 12.9%. Europe showed 8.0% annual growth. In Japan, sales increased by 0.4%, putting all four regions into growth. The Americas and European regions showed reduced growth compared with the month before, while Asia-Pacific and Japan raised their growth rates.