The global semiconductor market is expected to grow by 9.5% from the previous year to $258 billion in 2006, a market survey institution Gartner said on Feb. 15. In 2008, the global semiconductor market will enjoy the biggest boom with the market volume expanding by 14% to $314 billion, it anticipated. It also forecast that the annual average growth rate will remain at 7.9% between 2006 and 2010.