The Semiconductor Industry Association says that
despite severe competition in the sector in the early part of the year,
worldwide chip sales were on track with its forecast of 1.8 percent growth in
2007.
This was due to an increase in sales of 2.2 percent to $20.6
billion in July which were boosted by a rising demand for consumer
electronics.
The main demand for semiconductors was the PC and mobile
phone market, although some other consumer electronic products also appear to
be growing.
Microprocessors, MOS logic devices, and NAND flash memory
products rose 3.2 percent from the previous month. Microprocessor unit sales
increased nearly five percent from June. Prices increased by three percent
across the board.