The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released some rather positive data on semiconductor sales in Q1 2010. Global sales rose 58 percent compared to the same quarter last year, from $43.7 billion to $69.2 billion. Sales also rose 4.6 percent sequentially in March.

SIA President George Scalise claims that sales were second only to record sales in November 2007 and that demand was healthy in most major end markets.

"Foundries and integrated device manufacturers are ramping production to bring supply into line with expected demand levels. We do not expect to see near-term issues with either excess inventories or capacity due to strong unit demand in key end markets," said Scalise.

Scalise pointed out that the recovery in the enterprise sector was somewhat slower than in the consumer sector. Of course, continued growth will depend on the speed of the global economic recovery.