Component orders take small dip in March

First quarter flat, indicating possibility of slower growth in 2007.

Electronic component orders took a dip in March after an upturn in February, leading to a relatively flat first quarter, according to the four-to-five-week index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA).  The 12-month average, which compares results to the previous year, remained flat as well.

"The index is behaving the same as last year, so this is no surprise," says Bob Willis, ECA president.  "We are seeing the same trends, except with the possibility of a bit slower growth this year compared to 2006."

Sebastien Ropside of DECISION predicted a worldwide slowdown in electronics production during his session at CARTS USA 2007 late last month in Albuquerque, N.M.  According to Ropside, electronics production growth will decelerate in concert with the worldwide economy, slowing to 7.8 percent this year from 8.6 percent last year, and settling at 6.1 percent for the five-year period between 2006 and 2011.

The 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), representing more than 1,300 companies.  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.