Chinese chip market continues to soar

SEMICONDUCTOR SHIPMENTS in China are expected to grow 20 per cent in this year to amount to $51.7 billion revenue, up from $43 billion this year.

Market research firm Isuppli said there's some worries that over Chinese expansion generally will create a bubble that could burst, but the semi market is likely to be immune to such an effect.

After major expansion by 39.8 per cent in 2004, now average growth rates will range from between 10 to 20 per cent, the firm said.

The key elements in the growth of the semi market in China include flat panel TVs, set top boxes, 3G mobile phone and digital multimedia platforms (DMPs). µ