Semiconductor International hosts ‘2008 Semiconductor Industry Forecast’ at http://www.semiconductor.net/webcasts OAK BROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Semiconductor International recently hosted the 2008 Semiconductor Industry Forecast, featuring a panel of semiconductor experts sharing industry predictions for the New Year. The Webcast is now available free online at http://www.semiconductor.net/webcasts.

Semiconductor International hosted a panel of industry experts for the Dec. 19 event: Anne Craib of the Semiconductor Industry Association, Richard Gordon of Gartner Dataquest Research, Gary Grandbois of iSuppli, Jim Feldhan of Semico Research, Steve Szirom of InsideChips.com, Moshe Handelsman of Advanced Forecasting, Gary Smith of Gary Smith EDA, independent analyst Mike Cowan, and Carl Johnson of Infrastructure.

The panel discussed some of the following trends:

  • Consumer consumption – now representing more than 50% of semiconductor consumption – is not only from traditional consumer devices, such as MP3 players, digital TVs and cell phones, but includes PC unit demand, which is now almost 40% consumer-driven, and automotive electronic content
  • Concerns about consumer spending caused by higher oil prices, the mortgage crisis in the United States and fears of a possible recession have made analysts more cautious, but still optimistic, about growing semiconductor revenues in 2008.
  • The majority of the panelists predicted that the worldwide semiconductor would see growth in the 6-11% range, while three others predicted a year of flat or even negative growth.
  • One of the biggest unknowns is the possibility of a recession in the United States and what impact that will have on consumer spending.

To hear the panel’s predictions and listen to semiconductor issues on the radar for 2008, go to Semiconductor International’s Website and register for the free Webcast: http://www.semiconductor.net/webcasts.

About Semiconductor International

Semiconductor International is the world’s leading trade publication serving the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The print and digital editions reach 40,000 qualified buyers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials around the world. Additional products include Semiconductor Packaging, Semiconductor International Product Showcase, Semiconductor International Japan, Semiconductor International China, electronic newsletters and the industry’s leading Website, www.semiconductor.net.

Semiconductor International is published by Reed Business Information, part of Reed Elsevier (NYSE: RUK and ENL) – a world-leading publisher and information provider operating in the science and medical, legal and business-to-business industry sectors.