News
ATLANTA-- Sales sentiment for electronic components remained stable in March, with the Electronic Component Sales Trend (ECST) index declining 0.7 points sequentially to 112.5, the Electronic Components Industry Association said today.
The forecast for April indicates a slight dip to 111.3, according to the latest ECIA survey.
Despite the minor decrease, industry sentiment remains positive. "The sustained sales momentum is encouraging as 2025 progresses," said ECIA chief analyst Dale Ford. Expectations for component categories in April range closely between 108.4 and 112.9, reinforcing optimism for continued demand.
The ECST survey, conducted monthly and quarterly, tracks short-term industry expectations across the electronics component supply chain. It covers sales trends, product lead times, cancellations, and decommits across major component categories, semiconductor subcategories, and key end markets.
BANNOCKBURN, IL - Electronics demand in March reached its highest level in nearly a year, with strong manufacturing activity and rising shipments, according to a survey IPC released today. Capacity utilization hit its highest point since late 2023, while hiring constraints eased to record levels. Material costs rose, however, reversing a multi-month decline, and firms remain cautious about labor costs.
The report, which was taken February 13 to 28, found that on average 29% of manufacturers’ supply chains are currently reliant on Chinese suppliers.
To counter tariffs, some 31% of manufacturers responding to the survey reported investing in automation, while 28% switched to non-tariffed suppliers. Additionally, 61% are considering renegotiating contracts to mitigate cost pressures.
Looking ahead over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, with European manufacturers anticipating a sharper decline in capacity utilization than their North American counterparts. Trade policies remain a top concern, with nearly half of respondents citing economic impact as a key issue.
BANNOCKBURN, IL - Electronics demand in March reached its highest level in nearly a year, with strong manufacturing activity and rising shipments, according to a survey IPC released today.
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