ECA order index shows continued growth in April

The monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA) continued its upward trend in April, marking the ninth month in a row in which the 12-month moving average has risen.
 
ECA's index is consistent with other recent reports from industries that rely on electronic components:  According to the Federal Reserve Board, U.S. electronics and computer production increased 1.1 percent between February and March; the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reports that March sales rose 4.4 percent from February to March; and market-research firm IDC predicts that sales of LCD panels will grow by 56 percent this year, reaching $37 billion.
 
Bob Willis, ECA president, cites the recent success of the CARTS and EDS trade shows, as well as strong advance registration for the upcoming ECTC event, as additional signs of industry resurgence.
 
"Companies tend to provide funding for continuing education, professional networking, and technical exchange when they perceive that times are good and getting better," says Bob Willis, ECA president.  "We are seeing that kind of confidence now."
 
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), 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.