1970 COMPUTER SHIPMENTS DOWN 5%.

The article presents information on the computer industry in the United States during 1970s. The data processing industry's expectations of continuing growth did not materialize in 1970. They were replaced by an actual decline in shipments as surging growth in some sectors of the industry failed to offset downturns in other areas. This growth should be sufficient in 1971 to bring increases in shipments of data processing products back into line with those for the business equipment industry as a whole. It is estimated that the total value of business equipment product shipments in 1970 would be nearly $14.5 billion, more than four times the $3.4 billion shipped in 1960. Yet, the $14.5 billion figure is itself below the $14.8 billion initially forecast for 1969 shipments. Their value has been revised downward about 1% to $13.7 billion, following release of new U.S. Department of Commerce figures. The year 1971 is expected to be that of recovery with shipments foreseen as rising by 14% over 1970 to approach $16.5 billion.