San Francisco, Feb 2 (DPA) Global sales of computer chips fell nine percent during 2009, the Semi Conductor Industry Association said Monday - but not as far as expected.

Annual sales fell from 248.6 billion dollars in 2008 to $226.3 billion in 2009, beating earlier estimates that the global recession would drive sales down to $219.7 billion.

'2009 turned out to be a better year for the global semiconductor industry than expected,' George Scalise, president of the association, said in a statement. 'A strong focus on inventories throughout the supply chain mitigated the impact of the worldwide

economic downturn and positioned the industry for growth as the global economy recovers.'

The industry trade group forecast that sales will grow by 10.2 percent to $242.1 billion in 2010, driven by sales of computers and mobile phones, with the most growth coming from China and India.

'With improving consumer confidence and signs of economic recovery around the world, the semiconductor industry is well positioned for growth in 2010,' Scalise said.