(November 17, 2005) San Jose, Calif. — The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)’s forecast of global semiconductor sales this year projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 10% for the 2005–2008 forecast period. The new forecast projects that worldwide sales of microchips will reach $309 billion in 2008 — a 45% increase from 2004’s $213 billion record level.