ARLINGTON, VA – The ECA reports researchers are predicting the electronic components market will grow in 2008 at essentially the same rate or slightly higher than 2007; the markets determining component supply and demand look positive, in spite of a precarious economy, says the association. 

Electronic component orders dropped in January, after an up-shift in December, so the 12-month order average remained somewhat flat, the firm says.

Also, the CEA in January predicted consumer electronics would grow 6.1% this year, while iSuppli forecasted a 7% rise in global electronics gear revenue.

“Electronic components isn’t exactly a ‘teflon’ market, but it does have an uncanny ability to weather storms that damage other markets. I think a lot of credit can go to better management of supply chains based on the lessons learned from the ‘great train wreck’ of the market at the turn of the century,” said Bob Willis, ECA president, in a statement.