STAMFORD, CT – Asia-Pacific semiconductor revenue will outperform global revenue growth of 4.6% in 2008, reaching nearly $160 billion, up 6.4% year-over-year, said Gartner Inc.

Gartner forecasts Asia-Pacific semiconductor revenue will reach more than $203 billion by 2012.

“Worldwide semiconductor revenue is set for single-digit growth over the next five years; however, selected devices in specific electronic equipment types will post much higher growth,” John Barber, research director at Gartner, said in a statement.

China’s electronics sector will continue to lead growth in the region and the global semiconductor arena, said the research firm. However, China’s electronics manufacturing industry slowed in 2006 and is forecasted to record slower growth until 2012.