The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) has revised upwards its previous forecast for semiconductor sales in 2007 to $257.2 billion - a 3.8 percent increase over 2006. For 2008 and 2009, WSTS has kept its forecast close to its original projections with 9.1 and 6.2 percent growth respectively. 

"The WSTS foresees a continuously growing demand for electronic products such as PCs, digital consumer appliances and mobile communications, enhanced by the increase of semiconductor content per installed system." said Toshio Ogawa, Worldwide Chairman of WSTS. He continued, "These trends are expected to unfold in a challenging, yet generally healthy world economy."

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the fastest growing geographical area, showing growth of 12.5 percent in 2008 before slowing in 2009 to 7.3 percent growth. It remains the highest of all regions, WSTS data suggests.

In 2008, Europe is expected to see the strongest growth for that region in recent years, peaking next year with 6.2 percent growth then falling only slightly with 5.4 percent growth expected in 2009.

The only region expected to see a sales decline is the Americas, which will experience a 4.7 percent decline in sales in 2007 but a rise in 2008 and 2009 of 7.2 and 6.1 percent respectively.