Global Sources Ltd. released "Electronics Industry Outlook: China", the second annual report that provides an in-depth analysis of mainland China's

electronics industry.

The report is jointly published by two of the company's China-based electronics publications, Electronic Engineering Times-China (EE Times-China) and Electronic Buyers' News-China (EBN-China). Publisher of EE Times-China and EBN-China, Mark A. Saunderson said,

"According to our research, China's demand for Integrated Circuit (IC) technology is expected to grow at 20.3 percent annually between 2003 and 2005. This year alone, the country's manufacturers will likely consume 41.1 billion ICs valued at US$30 billion, with 95 percent of that value comprised of imported technology. China's business potential for semiconductor vendors remains unparalleled."

Key findings show a moderate shift in demand toward locally produced ICs. Imported technology is expected to account for 84 percent of the total volume of China's IC demand in 2003, down from 85 percent in 2002. However, China's overall IC consumption is expected to increase 23 percent in 2003, with the most significant demand coming from the computer, communications and consumer electronics segments. Consumption in consumer electronics alone will increase 12 percent year-on-year to reach 13.5 billion ICs, followed by computer products and communications, both growing 11 percent and 16 percent to account for 11.4 billion ICs and 8.2 billion ICs, respectively.

"China's Ministry of Information Industry forecasts sales of China's electronic products to increase 17 percent to reach US$198 billion in 2003," continues Mr. Saunderson. "The market outlook remains extremely attractive for technology vendors around the globe. Electronics Industry Outlook: China is a one-of-a-kind report that provides vendors with guidance on both the opportunities and challenges of doing business in this robust marketplace."