The Semiconductor industry Association (SIA) today released its annual forecast of global semiconductor sales projecting worldwide sales of $219.7 billion for 2009, a decline of 11.6% from the $248.6 billion reported in 2008. The forecast projects that sales will grow by 10.2% to $242.1 billion in 2010 and by 8.4% to $262.3 billion in 2011.

"The new forecast is brighter than our earlier projections, reflecting an improving global economy," said SIA President George Scalise. "Unit sales of key demand drivers--including PCs and cell phones, which together account for about 60% of semiconductor demand--have been stronger than previously predicted. We remain cautiously optimistic for the longer term. The current forecast is closely tied to projections of continuing improvement in the worldwide economy."

 About the SIA

The SIA is the leading voice for the semiconductor industry and has represented U.S. semiconductor companies since 1977. Collectively, the chip industry employs a domestic workforce of approximately 200,000 people. The semiconductor industry is America's second-largest exporting industry. More information can be found at www.sia-online.org.