LOS ALTOS, CA – China’s electronic equipment production market is finally slowing down, and taking the rest of the world with it.

Citing the recent economic environment and spate of earthquakes, research firm Henderson Ventures said China’s short-term equipment production output will drop eight points to 13.5% this year, before rebounding slightly in 2009 and 2010.  The appreciating currency, higher labor costs and tighter environmental policies will conspire to “subdue” expansion in the longer term, Henderson said, although growth rates will remain “attractive.”

Worldwide equipment production is forecast to be rise 6.4% this year, down from 9.1% last year. It will grow 7.5% in 2009, and 8.8% in 2010, the firm predicts.