LOS ALTOS, CA – World equipment production demand will slow somewhat this year, rising 6.8% after a 9.1% advance in 2006, according to the April Henderson Ventures forecast. The research firm predicts growth of 7.9% and 7.2% in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
 
Electronics industry statistics for the 1998-2006 period show that the world market has been anything but placid. The industry has been seasonal in nature, evidenced by substantial jumps in second-half shipments during most years.
 
When comparing year-to-year results, the news is sobering, the research firm adds, despite the sharp climb in dollar values during the second half of 2006. The three-month moving average growth rate peaked at about 15% in December 2005. Since then, the curve has fallen sharply. January 2007 came in at 7.7%. Anecdotal reports suggest February will be weaker.
 
The 12-month moving average growth rate finished the year at about 10%. But monthly statistics suggest that 2007 growth will be substantially slower than 2006.