SAN JOSE – The Semiconductor Industry Association projects worldwide semiconductor sales will recover in style next year, following a double-digit drop in 2009.

The trade group forecasts sales to grow 10.2% to $242.1 billion in 2010, and 8.4% to $262.3 billion in 2011.
 
This is following a 2009 drop of 11.6% year-over-year, to $219.7 billion.
 
“The new forecast is brighter than our earlier projections, reflecting an improving global economy,” said SIA president George Scalise. “Unit sales of key demand drivers – including PCs and cellphones, which together account for about 60% of semiconductor demand – have been stronger than previously predicted. We remain cautiously optimistic for the longer term. The current forecast is closely tied to projections of continuing improvement in the worldwide economy.”