The Semiconductor Industry Association dared to say the R word on Friday, as it unveiled its latest figures for chip sales.

According to the numbers, sales in April were $11.07bn, up 3.1% on the previous month. On a three month moving average basis, the SIA's preferred indicator, sales were up 10.5%.

The SIA's president, George Scalise, said the figures continued the steady growth seen in the first quarter and were "another sign that the industry is rebounding from 2002." He added that wireless was a key driver for the growth.

Year on year figures still showed the depth of the industry's crash. In the Americas sales were $2.62bn up 0.2% on the previous month, but down 30.5% on the year. Europe was up 1.1% month to month to $2.28bn, and down 25.8% year on year, while Japan, at $2.2bn, was up 4.4% month to month and down 34.5% year on year. Asia Pacific showed the strongest performance. Sales of $3.97bn were up 5.7% month to month, and up 12.1% year on year.

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