The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has claimed that 2009 was a better year than many had expected in the sector, with healthy demand beginning to appear in the final quarter.
George Scalise, president of the industry body, made his remarks after the organisation revealed that global sales of such electronic chips surpassed the SIA forecast of $219.7 billion (£137.6 billion) to reach £226.3 billion.
He highlighted the way companies in the sector used their inventories as an important factor, since it "mitigated the impact" of the difficult economic climate and put many firms in a good position for the future.
In his view, the introduction of new technologies such as netbooks and tablet computers should drive consumer demand, for example the recent launch of Apple's iPad.
Mr Scalise added: "In 2010, unit sales of personal computers and cell phones – which account for approximately 60 per cent of total semiconductor consumption – will grow in the low-to-mid teens, providing a solid platform for chip sales."