SAN JOSE – Global sales of semiconductors will fall 2.2% in 2009, according to a revised forecast by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics group, citing the overall economy.

The trade group said chip sales would drop to $256 billion next year, down from an estimated $261.9 billion in 2008. In May, WSTS forecast 5.8% growth for 2009.

The WSTS is made up of 66 semiconductor manufacturers whose sales represent about 80% of the global market.

Asia-Pacific will be the only region showing growth in 2009, the WSTS said. The group forecasts 1.1% growth in that region in 2009, down 7.6% this year.  Meanwhile, the Americas will sustain the biggest hit, dropping 9.8%, followed by drops of 3.8% in Japan and 3.6% in Europe, the WSTS said.

The WSTS also lowered its estimates for 2008 to 2.5% growth, from an earlier forecast of 4.7%.

The trade group expects 6.5% growth in 2010, to $273 billion, down from an earlier forecast of 8.8% growth.