SAN JOSE -- After a tepid 2012, semiconductor sales will awaken in 2013, according to market researchers Semiconductor Intelligence.

The firm predicts 9% growth in the semiconductor market next year, up from a flat to negative 2012.

The firm's model, which is based on GDP growth, finds that IC sales tend to follow the acceleration or deceleration of GDP growth, not the rate of GDP growth. A 30 basis point acceleration in GDP growth from 2012 to 2013 thus suggests 2013 semiconductor market growth of 8 to 10%, the firm says.

The International Monetary Fund predicts worldwide GDP will grow 3.6% in 2013, up 30 basis points from 2012. Larger economies will grow faster than smaller ones, the IMF says.

Semiconductor Intelligence also points to strong sales of tablet PCs and mobile devices like smartphones, and ongoing supply chain inventory corrections as positive factors that will boost IC demand in 2013.

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