Global semiconductor sales to touch all-time high of $338 billion: Gartner

MUMBAI: Worldwide semiconductor revenue is on pace to reach $338 billion this year, clipping at 7.2 per cent growth over last year and up from the previous forecast of 6.7 per cent, says Gartner.

"Semiconductor revenue set an all-time record in the third quarter of 2014, fuelled by a strong electronics build for the holiday season," said Gartner research Director Jon Erensen said in a report.

"Get ready for a flood of new product launches, ranging from simple low-cost tablets to high-end ultramobiles and smartphones. Demand for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus has been robust, but there is concern for other types of devices planned for the holidays," he added.

While some products may not sell in the holiday season, Gartner remains bullish on 2014 consumer demand and forecasts 2014 production of smartphones and ultramobiles to rise 27 per cent and 18.9 per cent, respectively.

The semiconductor market is expected to grow 5.8 per cent in 2015, with high inventories in the first quarter of 2015 emerging as the largest concern.