Chip sales in the Americas have fallen to $2.61 billion in November 2008, down 23.9 percent from $3.43 billion in November 2007, according to the latest figures from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics Organization (WSTS).

This comes after actual sales fell 22 percent to $2.91 billion for the latest figures for October. Comparatively, chip sales in 2007 were at $3.73 billion.

Given the current global economic slowdown, the group predicts a a negative growth of the semiconductor market in 2009 of 2.2 percent to $256B. In the subsequent years things should pick up, however.

WSTS analyst predict a positive development of 6.5 percent in 2010 to $273B.

The WSTS foresees a continuously growing demand for electronic products such as PCs, digital consumer appliances, mobile communications, and last but not least automotive electronics, enhanced by the increase of semiconductor content per installed system. said Dr. Ulrich Schaefer, Worldwide Chairman of WSTS.

Japan fared best of the regions into which WSTS divides the world with a relatively modest annual decline of 13.7 percent with actual sales in November at $3.63 billion, compared to $4.21 billion in the same month a year before.

Asia-Pacific, the largest region and responsible for approximately half of all chip purchases, dropped to $8.20 billion market in November, down 23.4 percent from November 2007 when it recorded $10.70 billion in actual sales.

Europe fared the worst of all the regions. Actual sales in Europe in November were $2.52 billion, down 28.6 percent from $3.53 billion in November 2007.

The current forecast anticipates a positive growth from 2010 on, peaking in 2011.

Japan Chip