STAMFORD, CT – Gartner Inc. reported semiconductor sales would grow in the second quarter, reaching about $65 billion, up 2% sequentially and 8% year-over-year.

Last month, the firm predicted flat growth for the quarter.

Gartner cited a report from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics that said May semiconductor sales were $20.5 billion; Gartner originally expected May sales of $19.8 billion.

The firm said first-quarter sales were $63.5 billion, up 4% compared to the same period last year.

For the first half of 2008, Gartner reportedly expects sales of $128 billion, up 5.5% compared to the first quarter of 2007.

The research firm said semiconductor sales revenue should total about $139 billion in the second half of the year, with 4% annual growth.