No ripple in pond for electronic component orders

Index and 12-month moving average remain relatively flat over 18-month periodElectronic component orders remained flat in May, continuing a long-term trend. Except for a small dip in Winter 2002 and a brief rise in Spring 2002, there has been very little movement over the last 18 months, according to the monthly index issued by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA). "There are only so many ways to say 'flat,'" says Bob Willis, ECA president. "The order index reflects a lot of uncertainty over the economy and the worldwide political and social situation. Never before have we had such a long period of time where there was no significant movement in electronic component orders." Full Size ChartThe Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) represents manufacturers and producers of passive and active electronic components, component arrays and assemblies, and materials and support services. It is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), comprising more than 2,100 members that represent 80 percent of the $430 billion U.S. electronics industry. ECA members benefit from a dynamic link into a network of programs and activities in areas such as business and technical information, market research trends and analysis, access to industry and government leaders, technical and education training, and others. For more information, visit www.ec-central.org