Semiconductor sales to bring $213.b bln in 2004, $227.2 bln in 2006, $259.4 bln in 2007

The Semiconductor Industry Association predicted semiconductor sales to rise 28.5% to a record $213.8 bln in 2004 but remain essentially flat in 2005, as the excess inventory problems many chip companies are now reporting make their impact felt. The forecast projects sales will grow by 6.3% to $227.2 bln in 2006 and by 14.2% to $259.4 bln in 2007.