Chip sales on the increase

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) said semiconductor sales are expected to reach about $140.8 billion in 1999 - a jump of 12.1 per cent over 1998 - fuelled by sales of PCs and other devices used for internet access and e-commerce. This compares with an 8.4 per cent decline in 1998, to $125.61 billion, according to year-end figures released in February.