Spotlight: Global Chip Sales Seen Rising 4.6% in 1997

The global chip industry is projected to grow by 4.6% in 1997 to $138 billion, weighed down by a flat first quarter, with the yearly growth rate then spiking above 20% for the next three years, the San Jose-based Semiconductor Industry Assn. said. The midyear forecast is consistent with the industry’s average annual growth rate of 17% since 1959, with total global chip sales forecast to hit $245.7 billion in 2000. A weak yen and other currencies caused the industry to revise its 1997 forecast of 9%.