STAMFORD, CT – Gartner lowered its 2008 forecast for Asia/Pacific semiconductor growth from 6.4% to 5.2% on an annual basis, as a result of the global economic environment and poor consumer confidence.
 
However, the firm says emerging markets in India and Vietnam are experiencing higher growth compared to the slowing China/Hong Kong region. 
 
"In the coming months, we expect to see signs of a widespread slowdown in the electronics sector, which in turn will have a direct negative impact on semiconductor sales," Gartner analysts said. The firm forecasts the region’s semiconductor revenue to grow from $149.3 billion in 2007 to $157.1 billion in 2008.
 
Gartner projects the CAGR of the China/Hong Kong semiconductor market from 2007 through 2012 will be 7.1%. China/Hong Kong will account for around 61.1% of the total semiconductor market in 2008, the researcher said.
 
Although, Gartner said it expects India and the Other Asia/Pacific to achieve higher CAGRs of 19.1% and 18.7%, respectively.
 
Gartner analysts say South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore are forecast to see continued falls in their semiconductor consumption revenue.