U.S. e-commerce sales reached $41.3 billion in the third quarter, 16 percent up compared to the same period in 2005, and is expected to reach approximately $170 billion during all of 2006, reported comScore Networks.

In the third quarter, online non-travel spending increased 23 percent, up to $23.1 billion, buoyed by the out-performance of some retail categories including consumer electronics, apparel & accessories, sport & fitness, and computer software. Despite a comparatively slow growth grate, travel spending reached $18.2 with a 16-percent increase.

"Online consumer spending at U.S. sites -- and particularly non-travel spending -- remains strong," says Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks . "The web continues flexing its muscle as one of the important drivers of retail sales growth."

comScore estimated that non-travel e-commerce in 2006 will break the $100 billion threshold for the first time. 

Previously reported, Compete Inc. forecasts online travel spending to reach $70 billion this year.