Electronics sales of Malaysia-based US companies to reach $21.6 bln in 2005

Sales by US electronics firms based in Malaysia will rise 10.3% to 82.2 bln ringgit ($21.6 bln) in 2005, but surging crude oil prices may depress demand, Malaysian American Electronics Industry claims. Said sales grew 18.4% to 74.5 bln ringgit in 2004. Sales of semiconductors will climb 17.6% to 34.1 bln ringgit in 2005, after rising 11.5% in 2004. Sales of other electronic goods will grow 6% to 48.1 bln ringgit, versus 23.3% growth in 2004. MAEI members are expected to trim spending on fixed-asset capital investment to 1.5 bln ringgit from 2.4 bln 2004. Spending on design and development will rise 72% to 1.16 bln ringgit.