Global semiconductor sales in February 2025 increased by 17.1% year-on-year to $54.9 billion (approximately 8.235 trillion yen), with demand for AI in the Americas driving market growth.
🟦 Semiconductor Market Hits Record Sales in February—U.S.-Led Growth of 17.1% YoY
Based on the release of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the following is a summary of key data on global semiconductor sales in February 2025.
■ Sales Results
- Total sales: 54.9 billion dollars (approx. 8.235 trillion yen)
- February 2024: +17.1% (previous year: $46.9 billion)
- Compared to January 2025: -2.9% (previous month: $56.5 billion)
- The month-on-month rate of change was negative for the third consecutive month (adjustment phase at the beginning of the year)
■ Sales growth by region (year-on-year)
- Americas: +48.4%
- Asia-Pacific/Rest of the World: +10.8%
- China: +5.6%
- Japan: +5.1%
- Europe: -8.1% (only negative)
■ Sales growth by region (m/m)
- Americas: -4.6%
- China and Japan: -3.1%
- Europe: -2.4%
- Asia-Pacific/Rest of the World: -0.1%
🟦 Background: The AI Boom Intersects with Policy Risks
■ Growth Factors
- Demand for AI semiconductors (for generative AI, cloud, and HPC) grows rapidly, mainly in the U.S.
- U.S. companies such as Nvidia drive earnings
- 10 consecutive months of growth of 17% or more year-on-year (from May 2024)
■ Adjustment Background
- Inventory adjustments since the beginning of the year
- U.S.-China trade friction and concerns about the impact of tariff policies
- The U.S. is responsible for front-end processes domestically, but remains dependent on overseas for back-end processes
- Tariffs on electronic products may affect the overall supply chain
🟦 Summary
SIA’s announcement is a clear indication that the semiconductor market is on a recovery trajectory. The 10-month streak of year-over-year growth speaks to the structural increase in demand, especially due to the US-led AI boom.
The semiconductor industry is the most important industry that supports the foundation of the global economy, and this growth has reaffirmed its presence. It will continue to be interesting to see how the policies and corporate strategies of each country will intersect in the future and shape the next stage of growth.
