The Semiconductor Industry Association and analysis firm In-State/MDR both are forecasting increased chip sales this year.

The SIA predicts a 20 percent surge in growth this year, adding that chip sales hit $12.1 billion in March (see link).

In-Stat/MDR predicts a near-17 percent increase this year as compared to 1.3 percent growth in 2002. CNET says the firm also expects increases in sales in 2004 (25 percent) and 2005 (13.5 percent.)

Latest chip sales report: www.eetimes.com/semi/news/OEG20030427S0004