SEATTLE – The global semiconductor market is expected to grow 4.7% to $267.7 billion in 2008, up from 3.2% in 2007, according to the revised forecast of the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics. 
 
Current projections have been reduced by 4.4 points compared to WSTS’s November forecast, mainly as a result of a weak fourth quarter 2007.
 
Demand is improving, however, leading the group to reiterate 2009 and 2010 projections of 5.8% and 8.8% growth, respectively.
 
"The WSTS foresees a continuously growing demand for electronic products such as PCs, digital consumer appliances, mobile communications, and automotive electronics, enhanced by the increase of semiconductor content per installed system," said Dr. Ulrich Schaefer, WSTS chairman.