Double-digit growth: U.S. factory sales of electronics equipment, components and related products totaled almost $197 billion for the first half of 1996, an increase of 11% over last year`s sales of $177 billion during the same time period, according to preliminary data from the Electronic Industries Association.

Electronic components had substantial growth, with $56.2 billion in the first half of 1996, representing a 16% improvement over the $48.4 billion in the first half of 1995. Telecommunications sales rose to $29.1 billion for the first quarter, increasing 14% over last year`s sales. Computers and peripherals showed strong growth, with sales reaching $40.8 billion, a 17% increase over last year`s figures.