The worldwide semiconductor industry is expected to reach $71,900m by the end of 1993 and grow to $96,000m by 1996, according to a forecast prepared by World Semiconductor Trade Statistics Inc for the San Jose-based Semiconductor Industry Association. The projected 20% growth in the world semiconductor market this year is due to increased demand for chips used in personal computers and related applications, according to Doug Andrey, Director of Industry Statistical Programs for the Association. The semiconductor market also is being helped by the gradual global economic recovery that began in the US in the fourth quarter of 1992 – remark that seems to ignore the fact that continental Europe is plunging into ever deeper recession while the jury is out on whether recession has bottomed in Japan.The North American market should reach $23,600m in shipments in 1993 for a growth rate of 28.1%. North America is expected to reach $31,200m by 1996. The European market, with $11,500m in shipments in 1992, is controversially forecast to grow 18.1% to $13,500m this year and to reach $17,600m in 1996. The Japanese market, with $19,400m in shipments in 1992, is seen growing 11.6% in 1993 to $21,600m, and to hit $28,500m in 1996. And the Asia Pacific is is expected to rise 24.3% to $13,200m, and to reach $18,700m in 1996. In the past, the forecasts for the Semiconductor Industry Association have turned out to be over-optimistic, and this one appears to follow the same trend.