"With continuing concern over the future of the Eurozone 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," Garner research VP Bryan Lewis said in a statement. "The near-term forecast is being shaped not only by economic forces but by an inventory correction, manufacturing oversupply and natural disasters."
The research firm now sees PC units up 5% in 2012, down from a previous forecast of 10.1%, reflecting not only the weak economy but also the impact of tight disk-drive supply due to the floods in Thailand. Mobile phone units are now expected to increase 7.5%; previously Gartner had expected 7% growth. Tablet production is now forecast at 107 million units, down from 110 million, though still up 63% from a year ago.
The research firm estimates that smartphones, tablets and solid-state drives will provide 77% of the chip industry's growth through 2015.
