Taiwan's TSMC sees chip industry growing 10 pct annually over next 10 yrs

TAIPEI (AFP) Sep 24, 2003
The head of the world's leading contract microchip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) Morris Chang said he expects the industry to see 10 percent annual compound growth for the industry in the next decade.

The industry is affected by cyclical patterns and such cycles normally last five to six years, with the next peak due in 2005 or 2006, Chang told a technology forum organized by VIA Technologies Inc.

"The industry reached its peak in 2000 in the last cycle so it may reach its peak in 2005 or 2006 for this cycle."

Chang reiterated his view on China's rising role in the sector.

"The importance of China as a market and manufacturing location can not be denied ... the market (there) is rising and manufacturing capability is increasing," he said.

Ultimately China will see the importance of being a design location in the 21st century, he said, adding that TSMC invests in the mainland to target the market there.

SPACE.WIRE