Gartner downgrades growth forecast because of ‘uncertainty’
Continuing uncertainty in global economies has pushed market analyst Gartner to downgrade its forecast for growth in semiconductor sales. Having previously predicted 2012 revenues would grow by 4.6% over 2011, the company has now reduced that figure to 2.2%, which equates to revenues of $309billion.
Bryan Lewis, pictured, Gartner's research vice president, said: "The near term forecast is being shaped not only by economic forces, but also by an inventory correction, manufacturing oversupply and natural disasters."
As part of its projections, Gartner believes demand for pcs will not increase as quickly as expected and has halved its prediction in this sector to 5%. However, mobile phone production is believed to grow slightly: from 7% to 7.5%. Strong demand for other mobile consumer devices will see demand for NAND flash grow by 16.6% in 2012, Gartner adds.
"Our latest forecast shows that dollar growth in smartphones, media tablets and solid state drives will generate 77% of semiconductor market growth through 2015 – a significant concentration of opportunity," said Lewis.
