EL SEGUNDO, CA – Global semiconductor revenue will rise to $281.4 billion in 2007, up 8.1% from $260.2 billion in 2006, according to a revised iSuppli forecast. iSuppli previously predicted 10.6% growth for 2007.

A slowdown in cellphone shipments and a continuing excess of inventory has prompted the research firm to lower its 2007 worldwide semiconductor revenue forecast. Excess semiconductor inventories declined in the first quarter, but remained at $2.8 billion.

Cellphone growth will decelerate in 2007. Revenue in the wireless communications market will rise to $202.3 billion in 2007, up 4.3% from $193.9 billion in 2006, says iSuppli. This compares to 8.2% growth in 2006.

A major factor behind the altered forecast is a reduction in expected DRAM revenue. The DRAM market peaked in 2006, with revenue rising by 35.2% to $33.9 billion. In 2007, revenue will only rise 8.6% to $36.9 billion. The firm previously predicted 13% growth for 2007.

Global electronic equipment shipment revenue will rise to $1.49 trillion in 2007, up 6.3% from $1.4 trillion in 2006. iSuppli’s previous forecast was 6.8% growth.