Semiconductor Sales Grew 31% in 2000

Global semiconductor sales grew 31% in 2000, down from a previous estimate of 37%, said market researcher Dataquest Inc., citing slowing sales of chips used in personal computers. Dataquest said the worldwide semiconductor market reached $222.1 billion in 2000, from $169 billion the previous year. In September, it estimated sales would reach $232 billion. Sales of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips, that are used in personal computers, declined in the fourth quarter last year because of slowing demand for personal computers. Semiconductor sales growth is expected to slow this year and next year even as chip makers boost production to meet demand. Dataquest sees 27% sales growth in 2001 and 14% in 2002. Dataquest on Thursday will release its latest forecasts for the next two years.