Gartner Dataquest research projects mainland semiconductor growth will slow, according to a South China Morning Post report. The research firm projected demand will slip from this year's year-on-year 33.2% increase to 21.66% in 2005, and then dip to 7.25% annual compound growth in 2006. Mainland and Hong Kong demand is projected to reach US$39.7 billion in 2004. Gartner said it expects Asia-Pacific region chip demand to grow 27.4% to US$71.3 billion this year.