MUNICH -- German electronic components and systems sales are expected to fall 1% in 2009, according to a forecast issued this week the ZVEI trade group.

ZVEI said sales would drop 4% this year to 16.4 billion euros ($20.89 billion). If 2009 fails to rebound, it would mark the third year of losses in a row for the sector, which fell 1.4% in 2007.

The current recession has been brought on by slumping semiconductor sales and pricing pressure, which make up about 60% of the overall electronic component market. ZVEI said. The trade group says semi sales will drop 8% this year.