Worldwide semiconductor spending to reach $309 billion in 2012: Gartner

Global semiconductor revenue is forecast to rise 2.2 per cent to touch $309 billion in 2012, much lower than the earlier expected 4.6 per cent growth, as euro zone concerns and uncertainty in global economy continues, according to information technology research and advisory company.

"With continuing concern over the future of the euro zone affecting the global economy, the high degree of uncertainty impacting spending by both consumers and enterprises looks set to continue, bringing with it significant implications for the semiconductor industry," said Bryan Lewis, Gartner's research vice president.

"The near-term forecast is being shaped not only by economic forces but by an inventory correction, manufacturing oversupply and natural disasters," he said.

Personal computer production unit growth for 2012 is projected to rise 5 per cent, which is down from 10.1 per cent growth in the previous forecast.

While the weak economic backdrop played its part in this reduction, Gartner said that the floods that hit Thailand this year resulted in a hard-disk drive (HDD) shortage that has slowed the PC market even further.

Gartner estimates that the supply chain disruption that resulted from the tragedy in Thailand meant that the PC production will be limited by HDD availability over the next few quarters until the HDD industry can resume full production.