Five major forecasts for the IC market in 2011

Since 2011 has come, the global IC market is filled with uncertain signals; the following is the five predictions made by Bill McClean, president of IC Insights, a market research institution, on the industrial outlook.

1. Gross domestic product (GDP): Global GDP is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2011 (4.2% in 2010). China and India are the main drivers.

2. Global IC market revenue: The growth rate in 2011 is estimated at 10% (the growth rate in 2010 is 32%); McClean said: "I am optimistic. I think this year will be a good year."

3. Capital expenditure in the semiconductor industry: The growth rate in 2011 is estimated to be 6% (98% growth rate in 2010); McClean said: “The 12-inch wafer capacity will still be tight; the Fab-lite strategy will be in place.”

4. Electronic system products: It is estimated that the PC market growth rate this year will be 12% (18% growth rate in 2010), and the mobile phone market growth rate will be 9% (13% growth rate in 2010); the demand for repressed PCs and cars will be released.

5.18-inch wafers: "We don't expect 18-inch wafer fabs to be visible until 2016," McClean said.